AUTHOR=Buono Romain , Pérol Olivia , Djebali Meyssane , Borja Mélodie , Abadie Alicia , Morisset Stéphane , Michallet Anne-Sophie , Fléchon Aude , Boyle Helen , Nicolas-Virelizier Emmanuelle , Rey Philippe , Guillermin Yann , Assaad Souad , Belhabri Amine , Lebras Laure , Blay Jean-Yves , Fervers Béatrice , Michallet Mauricette 

TITLE=Detection of potential complications in cancer survivors after chemotherapy and development of a regional care network: the PASCA feasibility study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1469930

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2025.1469930

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=Complications are often poorly identified and managed in cancer survivors after treatment and restoring their initial quality of life remains a challenge, particularly in a context of unequal access to care nationwide. The PASCA “Parcours de Santé au cours du Cancer [in English: healthcare pathways with cancer]” feasibility study was conducted in the Léon Bérard Comprehensive Cancer Center (Lyon, France) to assess the feasibility of a complications detection program, in cancer survivors who have received intensive chemotherapy. An initial network of physicians and healthcare professionals was also set up to facilitate medical referrals after detection. The study had a high recruitment rate (83.8%) and an adherence rate of 43%. In our analysis population (n = 98), 8% presented de novo dermatological, cardiological, and pneumological complications. Of these, 42 completed all program visits. Among them, the number of patients who developed a ≥ grade 2 complication increased between the first and last visits in: nephrology (+13.9%), overweight/obesity (+12.5%), endocrinology (+8.3%) and cardiology (+5.6%). Patient satisfaction was high (68%). The results supported the feasibility of a complication detection program and highlighted the presence of de novo complications at the first visit, as well as an increase in the number of patients developing complication in four areas between the first and last visit. In the future, after-treatment programs could be improved by increasing the motivation of the referring oncologists and patients, improving communication and by adapting the follow-up visits to take into consideration the constraints and profiles of the cancer survivors.