Factors Influencing Overall Survival Period of Stage IV Cancer Patients

Objective: Research has been conducted worldwide from the perspective of data detection in the hope of understanding the factors influencing the survival of stage IV cancer patients. However, the majority of existing research has only focused on single influencing variables. We collected the basic information, cancer type, sites of metastasis, performance status, pain, comorbidities, and relevant laboratory test data of inpatients with stage IV cancer to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the factors influencing survival period. Methods: A cohort study design was adopted, in which data were collected from the medical records of stage IV cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment at a teaching hospital in Northern Taiwan from January 2018 to December 2022. Results: Data were collected from the medical records of 739 stage IV cancer patients, among whom 488 patients passed away. The mortality risks of patients who had gastric or esophageal cancer and those who had hepatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, or pancreatic cancer were higher than those who had head and neck cancer. Furthermore, the mortality risks were higher for those with a body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m 2 , liver metastases, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status scores of 2 or higher, and peptic ulcers. Regarding blood test values, the mortality risks of stage IV cancer patients with albumin < 3.5 g/dL, hemoglobin (Hgb) < 10.0 gm/dL, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) ≥ 10.0 gm/dL were also higher. Conclusions: Cancer stage and metastasis conditions are beyond their control; however, effort can be devoted to maintaining the BMI and performance status of stage IV cancer patients, treating their peptic ulcers, and monitoring their albumin, Hgb, and CRP levels. These variables can serve as a reference for medical personnel in care decisions regarding stage IV cancer patients.