Immune checkpoint inhibitors and hospitalization at home in France

Abstract

Context: The administration of immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICIs) within hospitalization at home (HaH) organizations is an interesting alternative to conventional care. Three surveys were carried out to describe the different organizational models of French HaHs and criteria used by physicians in patient selection.

Methods: Three surveys were conducted between April 1 and August 31, 2020. The first one was addressed to all French HaHs, and the two others to public HaHs and oncologists treating patients with solid cancer in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region.

Results: Overall, 54 French HaHs and 23 oncologists participated to the study. The health professionals involved in the patients' care were very heterogeneous, although in 92% of cases, the treatment prescription was made by the oncologist. HaH physicians were more involved in clinical assessment the day before treatment (19% vs. 0%), treatment validation (56% vs. 15%), and treatment prescription (19% vs. 0%), while nurses were better equipped (emergency kit available in 81% versus 50% of cases) when HaHs did carry out ICIs compared to when they did not. Most oncologists agreed that age, neuropsychiatric disorders, home environment, as well as treatment duration and good tolerance should be considered in patient selection. ECOG PS status and treatment response were less consensually considered.

Conclusion: These results highlight the variability in French HaH organizations and patient selection criteria for employing ICIs at home. This study resulted in recommendations for administrating ICIs in HaH settings, which will likely be instrumental in further promoting this activity across France.

Keywords: Cancer; Hospitalization at home; Immune checkpoint inhibitors.