Author Identifier
Davina Porock: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4161-9697
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Palliative & Supportive Care
Volume
23
First Page
e80
PubMed ID
40123501
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
School
Centre for Research in Aged Care
Publication Unique Identifier
10.1017/S1478951525000021
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prognostic utility of Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI) scores in predicting the death of adults with advanced cancer. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Six databases were searched for articles published from inception till 16 February 2024. Observational studies reporting time-to-event outcomes of PPI scores used in any setting, timing and score cutoffs were eligible. Participants were adults with advanced cancer residing in any setting. Random effects meta-analysis was used to pool hazard, risk, or odds ratios. Findings were narratively synthesized when meta-analysis was not possible. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies (n = 11,235 patients) were included. All meta-analyses found that higher PPI scores or risk categories were significantly associated with death and, similarly, in most narratively synthesized studies. PPI > 6 vs PPI ≤ 4 (pooled adjusted HR = 5.42, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 2.01-14.59, p = 0.0009; pooled unadjusted HR = 5.05, 95% CI 4.10-6.17, p < 0.00001), 4 < PPI ≤ 6 vs PPI ≤ 4 (pooled adjusted HR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.30-3.21, p = 0.002), PPI ≥ 6 vs PPI < 6 (pooled adjusted HR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.39-4.58, p = 0.005), PPI ≤ 4 vs PPI > 6 for predicting inpatient death (unadjusted RR = 3.48, 95% CI 2.46-4.91, p < 0.00001), and PPI as a continuous variable (pooled unadjusted HR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.22-1.38, p < 0.00001) were significant predictors for mortality. Changes in PPI scores may also be useful as a prognostic factor. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: A higher PPI score is likely an independent prognostic factor for an increased risk of death, but more research is needed to validate the risk groups as defined by the original development study. Meta-analysis results need to be interpreted cautiously, as only 2-4 studies were included in each analysis. Clinicians and researchers may find this useful for guiding decision-making regarding the suitability of curative and/or palliative treatments and clinical trial design.
DOI
10.1017/S1478951525000021
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Yoong, S. Q., Zhang, H., Whitty, D., San Tam, W. W., Wang, W., & Porock, D. (2025). Prognostic utility of Palliative Prognostic Index in advanced cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Palliative & Supportive Care, 23. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951525000021