Affiliation:
1. University of Otago
2. Nurse Maude Hospice Palliative Care Service
3. Te Whatu Ora
4. University of Technology Sydney
5. University of Auckland
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigated pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy(PERT) use in people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in New Zealand (NZ) and Australia (AU).
Methods
A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using a mixed-media campaign to recruit people with pancreatic cancer and collect information about current PERT use. The questionnaire gathered data on participant demographics, awareness of PERT, prescribing practices and efficacy of enzyme replacement.
Results
Over 300 people with pancreatic cancer were recruited, 135 from New Zealand and 199 from Australia. Every region, state and territory was represented except for the West Coast (NZ) and the Northern Territory (AU), the lowest populated areas in both countries. In New Zealand, 60% of participants had heard about PERT, compared to 69.3% in Australia. Dosing regimens were inconsistent in both countries, with 18% and 27% of participants being prescribed PERT, considered best practice in New Zealand and Australia, respectively. Before PERT commencement, 70% of participants experienced symptoms of malabsorption, with all symptoms improving after therapy was established. The majority of participants were compliant with their medication.
Conclusion
PERT use in pancreatic cancer in New Zealand and Australia was highly variable and not compliant with international guidelines where PERT is recommended as standard therapy. Enzyme replacement is effective for improving the symptoms of malabsorption in patients with pancreatic cancer. Clinician education may be needed to help improve the use of PERT in people with pancreatic cancer.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
Reference23 articles.
1. Global cancer statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries;Bray F;CA: a cancer journal for clinicians.,2009
2. Cancer Australia (2022) Panreatic cancer. Accessed August 2023
3. Te Aho o Te Kahu (2023) Pancreatic Cancer Quality Performance Indicators. Accessed Sept 2023
4. Cancer survival differentials for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland: the impact of remoteness;Cramb S;Cancer Causes & Control,2023
5. The role of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in unresectable pancreatic cancer: a prospective cohort study;Saito T;Pancreas,2017