Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in elderly women with early breast cancer

Abstract

19641 Background: Advancing age is a major risk factor for breast cancer. Long-term follow up is recommended after diagnosis and treatment of early breast cancer. With older age, the risk of comorbid conditions and functional impairment is increased. A useful tool in the management and follow-up of these elderly patients could be a CGA Methods: Purpose of the study: Descriptive, transversal study of the prevalence of other comorbidities and of the functional impairment in elderly patients on follow-up after curative treatment of early breast cancer. Patients: Women aged ≥ 70 years at time of diagnosis, with removed early breast cancer. Attended in a outpatient unit from January 2005 to June 2006. No disease recurrences were allowed. Methods: CGA was conducted in an oncology unit. The assessment used usual screening instruments (ADL, IADL, POMA, GDS, MMSE, MNA) as well as the performance status (PS). Co-morbidity was classified using the Charlson score. Results: 91 pts underwent CGA. Mean age at surgery of primary tumour: 76 (70–92). Mean age at time of CGA: 80 (71–95). > 75% of patients had more than 84 years at time of GCA: Median follow up: 5 years (1–12). 47% PS 0. 9% PS 2. 83% were fully independent for ADL and 71% for IADL. IADL most affected was the ability to drive/use public transport. Median Charlson Score was 2 (1–6). ≥ 75% of patients had score ≥4. Most frequent comorbidity: cardiovascular disease (hypertension). Cognitive deterioration: 15%, depression: 16%. Only 28% were thin (BMI< 22). 75% were polymedicated (> 6 drugs). 28% had geriatric syndromes. 23% were “frail” (at least one of the following items): ADL < 80; ≥ 3 comorbidities, performance status < 60, ≥ 1 geriatric syndrome. Conclusions: Our results are better than reports from other geriatric teams using CGA, in terms on functional status and frailty. A high prevalence of comorbidity in our study, similar to other reports. A selection bias cannot be excluded, as the fitter patients are those that usually keep on with the follow-up. While those frail patients that do not due to their functional impairment are usually lost. Older patients with early breast cancer on follow-up have a high prevalence of comorbidity. However, in our serie, function and independence is maintained. No significant financial relationships to disclose.