Abstract 1632P
Background
COVID-19 pandemic created major challenges in cancer care. Studies have shown increased risk for COVID-19 infectivity, severe disease and death in patients with cancer. Cancer centers worldwide adapted by modifying and often delaying treatment to minimize contact with patients.
Methods
To provide safe and uninterrupted care for patients, a home care program was created for patients with prostate cancer at Acad. F. Todua Medical center. Men with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer (MPC) receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) were enrolled. Patients and their caretakers were instructed on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) subcutaneous injections (SQ) for home administration. Monthly at home laboratory testing and virtual consultations with medical oncologists every 1-3 months were arranged.
Results
A total of 52 patients were enrolled during the period of March 2020 – March 2021. All men were White and had ECOG 0/1. The mean age was 71 [±6.3 y] years. Sixteen (31%) patients had stage IIIB PC and 36 (69%) patients had stage IV disease. Stage IIIB patients were receiving adjuvant ADT with SQ Goserelin Acetate 10,8mg every 8 weeks and bicalutamide 50mg daily for two weeks after definitive local treatment. Thirty-one (86%) patients had hormone sensitive metastatic PC and were receiving SQ Goserelin Acetate 10.8mg (28) every 8 weeks or SQ Leuprolide Acetate 22,5mg every 8 weeks (3) with 2 weeks of Bicalutamide 50mg daily. Five (14%) patients had castration resistant (CR) PC and were receiving SQ Goserelin Acetate 10,8mg every 8 weeks with Enzalutamide 160mg daily. Thirty-three (63%) patients had Gleason’s score of 8/9. All patients were compliant with home injections, laboratory tests and virtual physician visits. Thirty-nine (75%) patients administered injections by themselves. Forty-two (80%) patients had PSA reduction >50%. Ten (20%) patients had disease progression and required clinic visits for investigations. Median time to progression was 12 months. Only 1 (2%) patient acquired COVID-19 infection, was hospitalized and died of respiratory failure.
Conclusions
At home ADT with appropriate patient/caregiver education and close follow up may be safe for patients with PC during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
Acad. F. Todua Medical Center Department of Oncology and Hematology.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.