Chart review of diagnostic methods, baseline characteristics and symptoms for European patients with pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Aim: To survey European physicians managing patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and understand differences in baseline characteristics, diagnostic methods, symptoms and co-morbidities. Materials & methods: Patient record inclusion criteria were: ≥18 years old, metastatic PDAC diagnosis and completion of first-line treatment between July 2014 and January 2016. Records were grouped by patient age, gender and primary tumor location. Results: Records (n = 2565) were collected from nine countries. Baseline characteristics varied between subgroups. Computed tomography was the most frequently used diagnostic technique. Symptoms at diagnosis included abdominal and/or mid-back pain (72% of patients) and weight loss (61.5%). Co-morbidities varied with patient age. Conclusion: Greater awareness of symptoms, diagnostic methods and co-morbidities present at PDAC diagnosis may support better patient management decisions.