OBJECTIVES : The incidence rate of pancreatic cancer is increasing due to a growing older population and improved diagnostic methods. Recent clinical guidelines suggested new treatment options in metastatic pts with good performance in Germany. We aimed to deliver evidence based insights into structural changes in treated prevalence and into patient characteristics determining the treatment choice. The accordance with clinical guidelines indicates the quality of cancer care.

METHODS : Based on primary and secondary research the palliative treated prevalence in pancreatic cancer was assessed at the baseline Q1/2017. Subsequently, we updated the data in quarterly surveys in a representative sample representing ~10% of treated prevalence. The clinical real world data was collected retrospectively and anonymously annually.

RESULTS : Despite increasing treated prevalence the mean number of pts eligible for palliative treatment in metastatic pancreatic cancer in one quarter decreased slightly in this period by 3 % (5481 pts 2017, 5319 pts 2018). The number of pts treated with neo- or adjuvant therapy in stage I-III increased by 11% between Q3/17 - Q3/18 (4499 pts vs 4993 pts). Relevant patient characteristics with an impact on treatment choice did not change significantly in the observational period: ECOG 0-1 91%/2017, 90% 2018. The majority of 1^st line metastatic pts is eligible for a regimen recommended in the guidelines. The triplet regimen FOLFIRINOX was adopted fast in the 1^st line in ECOG 0-1 pts (19% 2017, 31% 2018).

CONCLUSIONS : This research reveals a changing composition of increasing pancreatic cancer prevalence in Germany. Due to improved diagnostics an increasing number of pts is eligible for surgery and (neo)adjuvant therapy. The majority of 1^st line metastatic patients is treated with FOLFOXIRI or Gem+nab-paclitaxel in compliance with clinical guidelines.