PTU-70 Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement in Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer: A retrospective study from a district general hospital

IntroductionAdvanced pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis and is associated with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) causing weight loss and cachexia. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer but is often not prescribed despite evidence it can improve quality of life and survival. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess adherence to the NICE recommendations on the use of PERT and its impact on patient survival.MethodsPatients with a radiological or histological diagnosis of unresectable pancreatic cancer were identified from a retrospective cancer multidisciplinary team database in a district general hospital from January 2017 to August 2019. Patient demographics and survival from time of diagnosis were compared for patients treated with and without PERT. T-tests and Chi-squared tests were used as appropriate.Results166 patients diagnosed with unresectable pancreatic cancer were identified, 80 (48%) were treated with PERT. Median age was 75 years in the PERT group versus 79 years in the no PERT group (p=.014).The PERT group were more likely to have better performance status (performance status ≥3, 33% vs 56% (p=0.024), less likely to have advanced disease (stage ≥3, 33% vs 56% (p=.0017) and were more likely to receive chemotherapy (33 patients vs 12 patients, p