The Impact of At-Home Administration of Antineoplastic Treatments on Portuguese Patients

Background: In 2023, we introduced home-based anti-neoplastic treatments with the main goals of minimizing hospital visits and improving the quality of life for patients and their caregivers. Currently, we are assessing the impact of this care model on patients’ quality of life by administering questionnaires both prior to inclusion in the project and following treatment initiation. Approach: The quality of life of patients included in the project was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 3.0) and the Personal Well-Being Index questionnaires. These were applied at the admission consultation and 2 to 6 months after the start of the treatment. In cases where the questionnaires were not applied during the admission consultation, they were completed retrospectively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 29.0.2.0. Results: A total of 62 patients were included, with a median age of 82 years [IQR 74-85] and a slight male predominance (51.6%). were included in the study. The patients in this sample presented with prostate cancer (50%), breast cancer (48.4%), and urothelial cancer (1.6%). The majority (61.3%) were undergoing palliative care and the most frequently administered treatments at home were LHRH analogs/antagonists (53.2%), bone-targeted therapy (19.4%), monoclonal antibodies (14.5%), and others (50%), as some patients received multiple treatments simultaneously. Statistical significance was found in questions 26, 27, 28, and 29 of the EORTC QLQ-C30, with improvements in the impact on family (p<0.001), social (p<0.001), and financial life (p<0.05), as well as in satisfaction with personal health over the previous week (p<0.05). The remaining questions showed no significant difference. Implications: The project demonstrated a positive impact on an individual, family, social and financial level. Thus, the purpose of continuing and expanding the reach of the project is firmly established, motivated by the achievement of one year of success

Breast cancer · Cancer · Health care · Palliative care · Portuguese · Prostate cancer · Quality of life (healthcare · Statistical significance · Cancer survivorship and care · Economic and Financial Impacts of Cancer · Oral health in cancer treatment