P-51 The development of a framework to personalise hydration management in cancer care: the use of non-invasive technology to evaluate fluid status and dehydration-related symptoms

Background The role of hydration in causing or alleviating suffering in patients with advanced cancer is poorly understood. The evidence for the efficacy of clinically assisted hydration in advanced cancer is limited, conflicting and inconclusive. Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) is an accurate validated method of assessing body composition. Previously we have used BIVA to demonstrate statistically significant relationships with hydration status and symptoms (dry mouth, thirst, taste and fatigue), physical signs (mouth moisture, sunken eyes and axilla dryness), oedema and survival in advanced cancer. Further work is needed to investigate how hydration status affects symptoms and quality-of-life in the dying phase. Aim The aim of this feasibility study is to develop the necessary methodology and advanced consent procedure to conduct hydration research assessments in dying cancer patients. Methodology This study will involve an observational longitudinal analysis using BIVA assessments to evaluate hydration and its relationship with clinical symptoms and quality-of-life. Family-caregivers experiences will be evaluated via questionnaire. Thirty patients with advanced cancer will be recruited initially from a hospital-based specialist palliative care inpatient unit. Following this recruitment from additional hospice sites will be facilitated. Results This study is supported by the Academy of Medical Sciences, the UKH Foundation, North West Cancer Research and the Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Research Capability Funding (RCF) grant. Recruitment is planned to commence in early 2017. Proposed findings The outcomes of this study will determine the feasibility of the methodology and will inform the development of further work. The identification of variables that are associated with hydration in the dying will facilitate the development of a clinical hydration assessment tool. This will ultimately help to develop a framework to clinically assess and manage hydration states patients with cancer.