Conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer in patients with cirrhosis: A multicentre case–control study

Abstract

Background & Aims: Progresses in management make a higher proportion of cirrhotic patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer candidates to chemotherapy. Data are needed on the safety and liver-related events associated with the use of chemotherapy in these patients. Methods: Forty-nine patients with cirrhosis receiving chemotherapy against GI cancer from 2013 to 2018 were identified in the French Health Insurance Database using ICD-10 codes K70-K74, and matched 1:2 to non-cirrhotic controls (n = 98) on age, tumour type and type of treatment. Adverse events (AE), dose tapering, discontinuation rate, liver-related events and survival rate were compared. Results: Patients with cirrhosis (Child–Pugh A 91%) more often received lower doses (38.8% vs 7.1%, p 1 (HR 3.74, CI95%: 2.13–6.57, p