JCOG activities in geriatric oncology

Abstract

Introduction: In Japan, there are few national strategies towards the treatment of elderly cancer patients specifically, and geriatric oncology is not an area that has attracted much attention previously. Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) is the largest cooperative group in Japan, funded by the ministry of health, labor and welfare of Japanese government. We just established the Geriatric Study Committee in December 2013. Objectives: The goal of this committee is to make a policy to promote clinical trials for older patients with 3 major tasks: (1) Create a clear and operational definition of vulnerability/frailty applicable to oncology, (2) Develop, test and disseminate geriatric assessments, (3) Improve research in the field of geriatric oncology, in collaboration with SIOG as needed. JCOG1018 is a randomized phase III study of mFOLFOX7 or CAPOX plus bevacizumab versus 5fluorouracil/leucovorin or capecitabine plus bevacizumab as first-line treatment in elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Primary purpose is to compare the progression-free survival (PFS) of elderly patients who are randomized to receive fluoropyrimidinebased therapy (5-FU/LV or capecitabine) plus bevacizumab, with or without oxaliplatin. This study includes geriatric assessments (VES13) before chemotherapy. Methods: The Cancer-Specific Geriatric Assessment (CSGA) is a brief, widely adopted, multidimensional assessment for older patients with cancer. We developed and tested the feasibility of a computer-based CSGA in Japanese patients ≥65 years of age with advanced cancer. Results: The translation and back-translation processes were repeated until the back-translated CSGA was identical to the original CSGA, with Dr. Hurria's kind cooperation. Conclusion: We are now preparing an additional evaluation of CSGA in JCOG1018 trial. I will share recent JCOG activities in Geriatric Oncology. Disclosure of interest: None declared.