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

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