Abstract 1867P
Background
Bone-targeted agents (BTAs) are widely used in the management of patients with bone metastases from solid tumors. Knowledge of the impact of their routine use on patient-reported pain and bone pain-related quality of life is limited.
Methods
In this real world cross-sectional study oncologists from across Switzerland enrolled patients over a 3-month study period. Patients were aged ≥18 years, had solid tumors and at least one bone metastasis, and received routine management at the participating physician’s center. Physicians provided data on their clinical setting, BTA-related practices, patients’ disease status, risk of bone complications and BTA regimen. Patients completed questionnaires about pain (BPI), general and bone pain-related quality of life (FACT-G, FACT-BP) and treatment satisfaction (FACT-TS-G).
Results
The 18 participating sites recruited 417 patients. Based on the FACT-BP question, 42% of the patients indicated not having bone pain. According to the BPI, 28% reported no, 43% mild, 14% moderate, and 15% severe pain, respectively. Patients who were not treated with a BTA had better overall QoL (FACT-G: mean difference = 4; 95% CI: 0.3, 7.7; p=0.031) and bone pain-related QoL (FACT-BP: mean differences = 3; 95% CI: 0.3, 4.0; p=0.007) than those treated with a BTA. All pain and other QoL scales did not differ between the two groups. Patients who were perceived at ‘low risk of bone complications’ by their treating physician and who did not receive a BTA reported significantly less pain and better QoL scores than those who were considered at ‘low risk’ but did receive BTA treatment or those considered at ‘high risk’ regardless of BTA treatment. Overall satisfaction with the treatment effect was good, with almost 50% of patients reporting that they were completely satisfied.
Conclusions
Overall, pain and quality of life did not differ according to BTA treatment or physicians’ risk perception. Patients with low risks not receiving BTA treatment reported the least pain and highest QoL scores. These results indicate that treating physicians assess bone complication risk appropriately and treat patients accordingly.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research.
Funding
Amgen.
Disclosure
B.J.K. Thuerlimann: Honoraria (self), Shareholder/Stockholder/Stock options: Novartis; Roche; Honoraria (self): AstraZeneca; Amgen. R. Cathomas: Advisory/Consultancy: AstraZeneca; Bayer; MSD; Novartis; Pfizer; Roche; Speaker Bureau/Expert testimony: Debiopharm; Advisory/Consultancy, Speaker Bureau/Expert testimony: BMS; Janssen; Astellas. U. Zuerrer: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses: Gilead; Lilly; Pfizer; Bayer; Celgene; Merk MSD. T. Von Briel: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses: Amgen. S. Anchisi: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses: Amgen. V. Blum: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses: Pharmamar. R. von Moos: Advisory/Consultancy: Amgen; Bayer; Novartis; Roche. M.T. Mark: Advisory/Consultancy, Research grant/Funding (institution): AstraZeneca; Advisory/Consultancy: Roche; BMS; MSD; Takeda. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.