Palliative chemotherapy in advanced colorectal cancer patients age 80 or older.

Abstract

e14598 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer worldwide, with a median age at diagnosis of 71 years. While there has been significant progress in chemotherapy (CT) options for metastatic CRC (mCRC) patients (pts) over the past decade, there is very little data on outcomes or toxicity from CT in mCRC pts aged ≥80 years. We investigated palliative CT in the 80+ mCRC population, hypothesizing that high rates of hospitalization and toxicity may be observed. Methods: With ethics approval, a retrospective chart review was conducted of pts ≥80 years with mCRC who initiated a CT course between June 2005 and November 2009 at our institution. Baseline data on pt demographics were collected, in addition to CT data. The endpoints included: rates of hospitalization, CT discontinuation due to toxicity, and overall survival (OS). Results: CT was initiated on 88 occasions during the study period. The median age was 83 (range 80-92) and 52% of pts were male. Where data were available, 60% of pts had a good performance status (PS) of ECOG 0-1, 20% PS 2 and 9% PS 3 (10% unknown). 63 pts (72%) lived with family and 23% lived alone. 76% had a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ≥7 and 31% were taking ≥6 baseline prescription medications. At baseline, 33% of pts were anemic (Hgb <100), 36% had leukocytosis (WBC>11) and 48% had renal impairment (eGFR <60). Palliation was the intent for 95% of cases and 47 pts (53%) were receiving first line CT. The initial CT dose was adjusted from standard of care in 67% of cases. The most common CT was capecitabine monotherapy (45%). In total 19 pts (22%) were hospitalized during or within 30 days of CT; 26 pts (30%) discontinued CT due to toxicity, and 48 pts (55%) required at least 1 dose reduction, delay or omission. The median OS was 14.6 months (95% CI 11.7-18.6). No baseline factors (age, sex, PS, CCI, line of CT, baseline dose adjustment, baseline blood work) were associated with hospitalization, CT discontinuation due to toxicity, or OS. Conclusions: Palliative CT for mCRC in the ≥80 population is feasible, but most pts will require dose adjustments, and a significant minority will be hospitalized or stop CT due to toxicity. Prospective research incorporating geriatric assessment tools is required.