Abstract
BackgroundSimilar to most solid tumors, the incidence of hematologic malignancies has been rising. Although the median age at diagnosis is about 70 years, little is known about psychosocial aspects and comorbid conditions in elderly patients with hematologic cancers. The main objectives of our study are to assess the prevalence of psychological distress, chronic conditions, functional disabilities, and quality of life in both elderly hematologic cancer patients aged ≥70 years and an age-matched comparison sample of the general population.MethodsWe conduct a prospective study with three measuring points (t_1: ≥5 years after first time hematologic cancer diagnosis / relapse; t_2 and t_3 six months and 1 year after t_1). In addition, we use a cross sectional study design to recruit a comparison sample of the general population matched by age and sex. Both samples, patients and the comparison group complete validated questionnaires measuring psychological distress, chronic conditions, functional disabilities, and quality of life as well as health care needs and health care utilization.DiscussionOur study will provide both a data set offering detailed information about elderly hematologic cancer patients’ physical, psychological and demographic characteristics, and reference data of the elderly general population. Furthermore, the study will provide important information for the development and implementation of psychooncological support offers and survivorship care plans.
Highlights
Similar to most solid tumors, the incidence of hematologic malignancies has been rising
While the first peak of incidence of hematologic malignancies is found in childhood and adolescence, the second peak of incidence is observed in the old age [3]
While about 57 vs. 41% were younger than 75 years, about 18 vs. 25% were older than 80 years
Summary
Similar to most solid tumors, the incidence of hematologic malignancies has been rising. The main objectives of our study are to assess the prevalence of psychological distress, chronic conditions, functional disabilities, and quality of life in both elderly hematologic cancer patients aged ≥70 years and an age-matched comparison sample of the general population. We use a cross sectional study design to recruit a comparison sample of the general population matched by age and sex. Both samples, patients and the comparison group complete validated questionnaires measuring psychological distress, chronic conditions, functional disabilities, and quality of life as well as health care needs and health care utilization. The overall incidence of hematologic cancer appears to be rising [1, 2]. More chronic forms of hematologic cancer (e.g. chronic lymphoid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes) may require ongoing maintenance therapy or life-long follow-up (“watchful waiting”) [4, 5]
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