ELAN-ONCOVAL (Elderly Head and Neck Cancer-Oncology Evaluation) study: Evaluation of the G8 screening tool and the ELAN geriatric evaluation (EGE) for elderly patients (pts) with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC).

Abstract

11541 Background: About 47% and 10% of HNSCC occur in pts aged ≥65 or ≥80 respectively. This population being heterogeneous, balancing efficacy with toxicity is challenging. As the G8 screening tool includes 3 nutritional items, we need to evaluate its usefulness in HNSCC pts and to establish an adapted tool for HNSCC pts. Methods: ONCOVAL is the first step of the ELAN program for pts ≥70 with HNSCC not amenable to surgery. Pts were assessed for geriatric frailties before inclusion in appropriate trials (ELAN-RT, FIT, UNFIT) depending on curative or palliative setting and fit or unfit status. The aim was to evaluate the G8 tool and EGE usable by oncologists to classify pts as fit or unfit. The EGE was elaborated by the French GERICO group for HNSCC pts, evaluating functional status, comorbidity, cognition/mood, social status. To estimate sensitivity and specificity of G8 and EGE, we used comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) performed by geriatricians as gold standard. Results: From 06/2013 to 08/2018, 633 pts were included in 44 centers. Data are available for 613 pts. Median age 79 years (70-97) with 45% ≥ 80. 75% males. G8 score was ≤14, i.e. at risk of geriatric frailty, in 82% pts. Assessment by EGE was done by physicians (64%), nurses (11%), ELAN staff (21%) in 20 minutes of median time. After EGE, oncologists classified 71% pts as unfit. 49% of pts were assessed by CGA. The G8 score with cut-off ≤ 14 has sensitivity 91% and specificity 30%. Lowering cut-off to 12 increased specificity to 56% but decreased sensitivity to 75%. Sensitivity of EGE was 95% and specificity 60%. Multidisciplinary interventions were more frequently implemented in pts assessed by geriatricians than in others (71% vs 47%), even after adjusting for frailty. 58% of pts included in ONCOVAL were further included in ELAN therapeutic trials. Assessment by geriatricians did not modify the rate of inclusion in trials. Conclusions: The G8 screening tool is not appropriate for HNSCC pts. The EGE was feasible and had better sensitivity and specificity. Oncologists and geriatricians must continue such collaboration to propose tailored treatments. Clinical trial information: NCT03614936.