Age-related lymphoma patient experience: Results from the Lymphoma Coalition 2018 Global Patient Survey.

Abstract

e20071 Background: Over the past two decades, the incidence of lymphoma has increased by 8-10% per year in older adults. Despite the growing population of older cancer patients, there are a limited number of studies that focus on the experience of these patients. Lymphoma Coalition (LC) saw the need in the 2019 Report Card on Lymphomas to examine the age-related lymphoma patient experience. The objectives of this study were to identify: 1) informational needs and understanding levels, 2) physical conditions and medical issues, 3) psychosocial issues, and 4) barriers in patient-doctor communication. Methods: Using a subset of data from the LC 2018 Global Patient Survey on Lymphomas and CLL (LC 2018 GPS), this study will specifically examine the experiences of newly diagnosed lymphoma patients within the following age categories: 1) Young (18-59) (n = 1473); Mid (60-69) (n = 371); Old (70+) (n = 162). Results: From January to March 2018, 2,006 participants were included in this analysis from 47 countries. The majority of all three patient groups wanted additional medical information beyond what was provided at their diagnosis meeting with the doctor, with the greatest need for information in the young patient group (73%). The highest proportion of poor understanding was reported by the mid-age group (14%) and the highest proportion of very good understanding was reported by the old age group (53%). Across all three age groups, fatigue was the top reported physical condition affecting well-being. Regarding older patients, hair loss was reported in 36% vs 54% in younger patients (p = 0.01), and muscle weakness was reported in 40%. A greater proportion of those in the old group reported that their lifestyle (86%) and general activity level (87%) had been affected. The reported prevalence of medical issues was highest in the young group and lowest in the old group, both during and after treatment. Fear of relapse was the top reported psychosocial issue following treatment for patients in all three age groups. Of those who discussed their fear of relapse with their doctor (young 42% vs old 21%, p = 0.0022), less than one third of patients felt their discussion helped alleviate the fear. Conclusions: This study emphasizes that lymphoma patients in all age groups need more information and support beyond what is currently being provided. While certain age-specific trends were identified, the majority of patient-reported issues span across all three of the age groups examined.