Abstract
8167 Background: Aging is highly heterogeneous. Standard medical assessment is not effective to describe elderly pts' medical problems that may affect or interact with cancer. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment is the recommended tool of evaluation. Methods: We have elaborated a “minimal” Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (mini-CGA). This procedure is performed by a trained team including a geriatrician, a medical oncologist, a social worker, a dietician, a physiotherapist, a pharmacist and a research nurse. It is based on a careful clinical examination with analysis of physical function, nutritional status (MNA), functional domains (ADL, IADL), cognitive and emotional domains (MMSE, GDS), identification and grading of comorbidity (CIRS-G), socioeconomic evaluation and a medication review. The final step of the procedure is the synthesis of all information and its translation into a geriatric intervention plan. Results: One hundred and thirty five cancer pts were assessed by means of mini-CGA. Median age was 78 (range 66–92). There were 93 males and 42 females. Main tumor types were urogenital (70), breast (19), head and neck (15), gastrointestinal (7), lung (4) cancers and lymphoma (3); 66% of pts had advanced disease. Only 35.6% lived alone and 64.4% had a reliable caregiver. Eighty-three percent pts had KPS ≥60% (median KPS: 70%), only 44% pts were fully independent in ADLs (score = 6), and 13.3% pts in IADLs (score = 14). Only 45.2% had no cognitive disorder (MMSE >24/30); 51.2% had no depression symptom (GDS <10/30). Only 35.6% pts were well-nourished (MMA >23.5), and 23.7% were already malnourished (MMA <17). All pts had at least 1 comorbidity, with a median of 7 (range: 1–14) and a median number of severe comorbidities of 1 (0–9). Pts took a median of 5 medications (range: 0–15). We identified 30 cases of dangerous drug interactions. By means of mini-CGA, only 4 pts were identified as healthy elderly pts. Conclusions: Unsuspected health problems can be detected by mini-CGA in elderly cancer pts. This tool can be applied in oncology setting without specific instruments. However, it must be compared to screening tools and to extensive CGA. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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