Risk Factors and Outcomes for Chemotherapy Refusal

(June 7, 2016) The Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recently published a study that looked at the difference in outcomes between two groups of epithelial ovarian cancer patients: those who received recommended, multiagent chemotherapy and those who chose not to undergo the recommended treatment. After tracking thousands of patients in both groups, the study concluded that mortality greatly increases with the refusal of treatment.

Importantly, it also found that a number of factors can influence a patient’s treatment decision. While some of these factors are unalterable (stage, grade, age), some factors cans be changed, including facility type and payor. The authors conclude that “addressing these discrepancies in care can improve compliance with chemotherapy recommendations… and outcomes.”

To read the abstract click here.