Chemotherapy Toxicity In Older Adults Research Articles

MO30-1 Validation of a prediction tool for chemotherapy toxicity in older adults with cancer in Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand

MO30-1 Validation of a prediction tool for chemotherapy toxicity in older adults with cancer in Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand

Chemotherapy Toxicity in Older Adults Optimized by Geriatric Assessment and Intervention: A Non-Comparative Analysis.

The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is recommended to guide treatment choices in older patients with cancer. Patients ≥ 70 years referred to our oncology service with a new cancer diagnosis are screened using the G-8. Patients with a score of ≤14 are eligible to attend the Geriatric Oncology and Liaison (GOAL) Clinic in our institution, with referral based on physician discretion. Referred patients undergo multidimensional assessments at baseline. CGA domains assessed include mobility, nutritional, cognitive, and psychological status. Chemotherapy toxicity risk is estimated using the Cancer Aging and Research Group (CARG) calculator. We undertook a retrospective analysis of patients attending the GOAL clinic over a 30-month period to April 2021. The objective was to determine rates of treatment dose modifications, delays, discontinuation, and unscheduled hospitalizations as surrogates for cytotoxic therapy toxicity in these patients. These data were collected retrospectively. Ninety-four patients received chemotherapy; the median age was 76 (70–87) and 45 were female (48%). Seventy-five (80%) had an ECOG PS of 0–1. Seventy-two (77%) had gastrointestinal cancer, and most had stage III (47%) or IV (40%) disease. Chemotherapy with curative intent was received by 51% (n = 48) and 51% received monotherapy. From the CGA, the median Timed Up and Go was 11 s (7.79–31.6), and 90% reported no falls in the prior 6 months. The median BMI was 26.93 (15.43–39.25), with 70% at risk or frankly malnourished by the Mini Nutritional Assessment. Twenty-seven (29%) patients had impaired cognitive function. Forty-three (46%) had a high risk of toxicity based on the baseline CARG toxicity calculator. Twenty-six (28%) required dose reduction, 55% (n = 52) required a dose delay, and 36% (n = 34) had a hospitalization due to toxicity. Thirty-nine patients (42%) discontinued treatment due to toxicity. Despite intensive assessment, clinical optimization and personalized treatment decisions, older adults with cancer remain at high risk of chemotherapy toxicity.

Modified CARG score using data from the electronic health record to predict chemotherapy toxicity in older adults.

12038 Background: Older adults starting chemotherapy are at greater risk of toxicity compared with younger patients. Additional tools are needed to aid in management decisions for this population. The Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG) chemotherapy toxicity calculator is one such tool, which stratifies older adults into high, intermediate, or low risk for chemotherapy toxicity (Hurria, A., Mohile, S., Tew, W. P., & et al. (2016). Validation of a prediction tool for chemotherapy toxicity in older adults with cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 34(20), 2366–2371. https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.2015.65.4327). This tool relies on a face-to-face encounter to ask questions, e.g. “How is your hearing?” or “Can you take your own medicines?” in addition to lab values such as hemoglobin and creatinine clearance. We modified the CARG chemo toxicity calculator to include data points which could be pulled from the electronic health record (EHR) without the need for a face-to-face encounter to assess for an association with emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions. Methods: Retrospective data analysis was conducted using the EHR of patients over age 65 diagnosed with a solid tumor from 1/1/2019 to 12/31/2020 who started chemotherapy. A modified CARG score was calculated using age, cancer type, number of drugs, hemoglobin, creatinine clearance, and falls within the past 6 months. The remaining items needed to calculate the complete CARG score were excluded since they were not accessible in the EHR. We assessed ED visits leading to admission, ED visits leading to discharge, direct admissions, and the total of all 3 visit types for all patients. Results: A modified CARG score was calculated for 763 patients. Multiple models were evaluated and negative binomial distribution was found to be the best fitted for our data. For every one unit increase in our calculated score the number of ED visits which lead to hospital admission increased by 6% (p-value = 0.0156). Additionally, there was a 5% increase in combined ED visits, ED visits leading to admission, and direct admissions for every one unit increase in risk score (p-value = 0.0063). ED visits that did not lead to admission were found not to have an association with the risk score (p-value= 0.1263). (Table) Conclusions: A modified CARG score using data obtained from patients’ EHR had a statistically significant association with increased ER visits that resulted in hospital admission and with the total of ED visits leading to admission, ED visits leading to discharge, direct admissions. Using these outcomes as a surrogate for toxicity, we deduce that a simple tool could be used to predict chemotherapy toxicity in older adults. [Table: see text]

Examining the ability of the Cancer and Aging Research Group tool to predict toxicity in older men receiving chemotherapy or androgen‐receptor–targeted therapy for metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer

Because multiple treatments are available for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and most patients are elderly, the prediction of toxicity risk is important. The Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG) tool predicts chemotherapy toxicity in older adults with mixed solid tumors, but has not been validated in mCRPC. In this study, its ability to predict toxicity risk with docetaxel chemotherapy (CHEMO) was validated, and its utility was examined in predicting toxicity risk with abiraterone or enzalutamide (A/E) among older adults with mCRPC. Men aged 65+ years were enrolled in a prospective observational study at 4 Canadian academic cancer centers. All clinically relevant grade 2 to 5 toxicities over the course of treatment were documented via structured interviews and chart review. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of toxicity. Seventy-one men starting CHEMO (mean age, 73 years) and 104 men starting A/E (mean age, 76 years) were included. Clinically relevant grade 3+ toxicities occurred in 56% and 37% of CHEMO and A/E patients, respectively. The CARG tool was predictive of grade 3+ toxicities with CHEMO, which occurred in 36%, 67%, and 91% of low, moderate, and high-risk groups (P = .003). Similarly, grade 3+ toxicities occurred among A/E users in 23%, 48%, and 86% with low, moderate, and high CARG risk (P < .001). However, it was not predictive of grade 2 toxicities with either treatment. There is external validation of the CARG tool in predicting grade 3+ toxicity in older men with mCRPC undergoing CHEMO and demonstrated utility during A/E therapy. This may aid with treatment decision-making.

Development and Validation of a Risk Tool for Predicting Severe Toxicity in Older Adults Receiving Chemotherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer.

Limited tools exist to predict the risk of chemotherapy toxicity in older adults with early-stage breast cancer. Patients of age ≥ 65 years with stage I-III breast cancer from 16 institutions treated with neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy were prospectively evaluated for geriatric and clinical features predictive of grade 3-5 chemotherapy toxicity. Logistic regression with best-subsets selection was used to identify and incorporate independent predictors of toxicity into a model with weighted variable scoring. Model performance was evaluated using area under the ROC curve (AUC) and goodness-of-fit statistics. The model was internally and externally validated. In 473 patients (283 in development and 190 in validation cohort), 46% developed grade 3-5 chemotherapy toxicities. Eight independent predictors were identified (each assigned weighted points): anthracycline use (1 point), stage II or III (3 points), planned treatment duration > 3 months (4 points), abnormal liver function (3 points), low hemoglobin (3 points), falls (4 points), limited walking (3 points), and lack of social support (3 points). We calculated risk scores for each patient and defined three risk groups: low (0-5 points), intermediate (6-11 points), or high (≥ 12 points). In the development cohort, the rates of grade 3-5 chemotherapy toxicity for these three groups were 19%, 54%, and 87%, respectively (P < .01). In the validation cohort, the corresponding toxicity rates were 27%, 45%, and 76%. The AUC was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.70 to 0.81) in the development cohort and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.62 to 0.77) in the validation cohort. Risk groups were also associated with hospitalizations and reduced dose intensity (P < .01). The Cancer and Aging Research Group-Breast Cancer (CARG-BC) score was developed and validated to predict grade 3-5 chemotherapy toxicity in older adults with early-stage breast cancer.

Frailty and Vulnerability as Predictors of Chemotherapy Toxicity in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study in Peru.

Multiple markers are used to assess frailty and vulnerability, conditions associated with the development of chemotherapy toxicity (CTT). However, there is still no consensus on which condition has stronger association with this adverse effect of chemotherapy in the elderly. To evaluate the association between frailty and vulnerability with the development of CTT in oncogeriatric patients. Through a retrospective cohort, a secondary database of 496 male oncogeriatric military patients treated at the Geriatrics Service of the Naval Medical Centre of Peru during 2013-2015 was analyzed. With prior informed consent, the presence of frailty, assessed by Fried Phenotype; and vulnerability, assessed by the Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13) and G-8, was determined. The follow-up of patients in chemotherapy was performed every 8 weeks, to determine the development of CTT (according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0). In addition, we included sociodemographic characteristics, medical background information and functional assessment variables. The data collected was encoded and imported into STATA v14.0 statistical package for analysis. Multivariate analysis was performed using crude and adjusted Cox regression models. The reported measure was the hazard ratio (HR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The average age was 79.2 ± 4.3 years. 129 (26.01%) developed CTT during follow-up. Similarly, 129 older adults (26.01%) were positive for frailty according to Fried phenotype; 101 (20.36%) were positive for vulnerability with VES-13, and 112 (22.58%) with G-8. In the adjusted Cox model, by type of cancer and adverse effects, a statistically significant association was found between the 3 scales evaluated and the development of CTT, with the Fried Phenotype as the scale with the strongest association (HR=2.01; 95%CI: 1.04-4.90). The frailty and vulnerability in the elderly are conditions associated with the development of CTT. The Fried phenotype was the scale with the most significant association with the outcome studied.

Frailty and Vulnerability as Predictors of Chemotherapy Toxicity in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study in Peru

Frailty and Vulnerability as Predictors of Chemotherapy Toxicity in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study in Peru

Geriatric assessment-driven intervention (GAIN) on chemotherapy toxicity in older adults with cancer: A randomized controlled trial.

12010 Background: Geriatric assessment (GA) can predict chemotherapy (chemo) toxicity in older adults (age ≥65) with cancer. However, evidence regarding the effect of GA-driven intervention (GAIN) on the incidence of chemo toxicity has been limited. Therefore, we conducted a randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of GAIN vs. standard of care (SOC) on chemo toxicity in older adults with cancer. Methods: Patients (pts) age ≥65, diagnosed with a solid malignancy, and starting a new chemo regimen at City of Hope were eligible (NCT02517034). In a 2:1 ratio, 600 pts were randomly assigned to either GAIN (n = 398) or SOC (n = 202) arms. All pts completed a baseline GA prior to chemo. In the GAIN arm, a multidisciplinary team led by a geriatric oncologist, nurse practitioner, social worker, physical/occupation therapist, nutritionist, and pharmacist, reviewed GA results and implemented interventions based on predefined triggers built into the GA’s various domains. In the SOC arm, GA results were sent to treating oncologists to use at their discretion. Pts were followed until either end of chemo or 6 months after start of chemo, whichever occurred first. The primary endpoint was incidence of grade 3-5 chemo-related toxicity (NCI CTCAE v.4.0). Secondary endpoints included advance directive (AD) completion, emergency room (ER) visits, hospitalizations, and average length of stay (ALOS). Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare the categorical outcomes, and Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the ALOS between arms. Results: Pt characteristics were balanced between arms. Median age was 71 (range 65-91). Cancer types included: 33% gastrointestinal, 23% breast, 16% lung, 15% genitourinary, and 13% other. Most (71%) had stage IV disease. The incidence of grade 3-5 chemo-related toxicity was 50.5% (95% CI: 45.6-55.4%) in the GAIN arm and 60.4% (95% CI: 53.7-67.1%) in the SOC arm (p = 0.02). Compared to SOC, the GAIN arm had a reduction of 9.9% (95% CI: 1.6-18.2%) in chemo-related toxicity. At the end of study, AD completion increased 24.1% in the GAIN arm vs. 10.4% in the SOC arm (p &lt; 0.001). No significant differences in ER visits (27.4% vs. 30.7%), hospitalizations (22.1% vs. 19.3%), or ALOS (median 4.8 vs. 5.0 days) were observed between the GAIN and SOC arms, respectively. Conclusions: Integration of multidisciplinary GA-driven interventions reduced grade 3-5 chemo-related toxicity and improved AD completion in older adults with cancer. GA-driven interventions should be included as a part of cancer care for all older adults. Clinical trial information: NCT02517034 .

Associations between nutritional factors and chemotherapy toxicity in older adults with solid tumors.

Nutritional status can directly affect morbidity and mortality in older adults with cancer. This study evaluated the association between pretreatment body mass index (BMI), albumin level, and unintentional weight loss (UWL) in the prior 6months and chemotherapy toxicity among older adults with solid tumors. This was a secondary analysis of a prospective, multicenter study involving chemotherapy-treated patients 65years old or older. Geriatric assessment, BMI, albumin level, and UWL data were collected before treatment. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated the associations between nutritional factors and the risk of grade 3 or higher (grade 3+) chemotherapy toxicity. Seven hundred fifty patients with a median age of 72years (range, 65-94years) and mostly stage IV disease were enrolled. The median pretreatment BMI and albumin values were 26kg/m2 (range, 15.1-52.1kg/m2 ) and 3.9mg/dL (range, 1.0-5.0mg/dL), respectively. Nearly 50% of the patients reported UWL, with 17.6% reporting >10% UWL. Multivariable analysis revealed no association between >10% UWL and a risk for grade 3+ chemotherapy toxicity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.87; P=.58). Multivariable analysis showed a trend toward an association between a BMI≥30kg/m2 and a decreased risk of grade 3+ chemotherapy toxicity (AOR, 0.65; P=.06), whereas a low albumin level (≤3.6mg/dL) was associated with a higher risk of grade 3+ chemotherapy toxicity (AOR, 1.50; P=.03). An analysis of the joint effect of BMI and albumin demonstrated the lowest risk of grade 3+ chemotherapy toxicity among patients with high BMIs (≥30kg/m2 ) and normal albumin levels (AOR, 0.41; P=.008). Among older adults with solid tumors, higher BMIs and normal albumin levels are associated with a lower risk of grade 3+ chemotherapy toxicity. Additional research is warranted to define the clinical significance of nutritional markers and to inform future interventions.

Association between a cognitive screening test and severe chemotherapy toxicity in older adults with cancer

IntroductionCognitive impairment (CI) increases chemotherapy toxicity risk with need to understand this association utilizing publicly available short screening tools. We evaluated this utilizing a lower threshold on a short screening tool in older adults with cancer. Materials and methodsWe analyzed data from the Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG) Chemotherapy Toxicity Risk tool (CARG score) development and validation cohorts (n = 703), which recruited adults age ≥ 65 with cancer from academic centers. Cognition was evaluated with the Blessed Orientation-Memory-Concentration test (BOMC). Patients with BOMC score ≥ 11 were excluded. Utilizing cut-points for older adults, we considered moderate BOMC scores (5-10) as potential CI. Logistic regression was used for analysis. ResultsPatient baseline characteristics included: mean age 73; 85% white; 63% college or higher education; 250 (36%) potential CI; 385 (55%) severe toxicity. Patients with potential CI were more likely non-white (p ≤ 0.01) and to have high school or lower education (p ≤ 0.01) and high CARG score (p = 0.04). Potential CI was associated with increased severe toxicity risk (OR = 1.54, p ≤ 0.01). After adjusting for CARG score, this association became nonsignificant (OR = 1.35; p = 0.08). Among patients with lower education (n = 258; 36.7%), potential CI remained associated with severe toxicity, even after adjusting for CARG score (OR = 1.87, p = 0.03). ConclusionsOur findings suggest potential cognitive impairment, defined by BOMC score 5–10, in older adults with cancer and lower education is associated with increased severe toxicity risk. Future studies are needed to validate these findings. Healthcare providers should consider cognitive testing before treatment for these vulnerable patients.

Accuracy of a Mobile Sensor-Based System for the Detection of Chemotherapy Toxicity in Older Adults With Cancer in a Developing Country

Accuracy of a Mobile Sensor-Based System for the Detection of Chemotherapy Toxicity in Older Adults With Cancer in a Developing Country

Myopenia and Mechanisms of Chemotherapy Toxicity in Older Adults With Colorectal Cancer

Myopenia and Mechanisms of Chemotherapy Toxicity in Older Adults With Colorectal Cancer

Hematology-Oncology Fellows' Training in Geriatrics and Geriatric Oncology: Findings From an American Society of Clinical Oncology-Sponsored National Survey.

Older adults compose the majority of patients with cancer in the United States; however, it is unclear how well geriatrics or geriatric oncology training is being incorporated into hematology-oncology (hem-onc) fellowships. A convenience sample of hem-onc fellows completed a (written or electronic) survey assessing their education, clinical experiences, and perceived proficiency in geriatric oncology during training; knowledge base in geriatric oncology; confidence in managing older adults with cancer; and general attitudes toward geriatric oncology principles. Forty-five percent of respondents (N = 138) were female, 67% were based in the United States, and most (60%) were past their first year of training. Most fellows rated geriatric oncology as important or very important (84%); however, only 25% reported having access to a geriatric oncology clinic and more than one half (53%) reported no lectures in geriatric oncology. Fellows reported fewer educational experiences in geriatric oncology than in nongeriatric oncology. For example, among procedure-based activities, 12% learned how to perform a geriatric assessment but 78% learned how to perform a bone marrow biopsy ( P < .05). Of those completing the knowledge-based items, 41% were able to identify correctly the predictors of chemotherapy toxicity in older adults with cancer. Despite the prevalence of cancer in older adults, hem-onc fellows report limited education in or exposure to geriatric oncology. The high value fellows place on geriatric oncology suggests that they would be receptive to additional training in this area.

Feasibility of a geriatric chemotherapy toxicity prediction tool in adults with advanced cancer: A pilot study at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).

e18179 Background: Adults with advanced cancer vary considerably in health status and functional reserve. Given the substantial risk of toxicity from systemic therapy, the challenge for medical oncologists is to objectively evaluate the risk of treatment complications prior to starting treatment. The Hurria Prediction Tool for Chemotherapy Toxicity in older adults was developed to aid medical oncologists in predicting which patients are at the highest risk of toxicity. This validated tool stratified geriatric patients with advanced cancer into low, medium, and high risk for toxicity from chemotherapy. In line with UPMC’s mission to “ensure that every patient gets the right care, in the right way, at the right time, every time,” we investigated the feasibility and usefulness of the tool to predict toxicity in adults with advanced cancer, and assist in shared decision making when undergoing treatment decisions. Methods: Adults ≥ 18 years old with advanced cancer whom were being considered for systemic therapy were identified. Patients completed a brief health assessment form prior to their physician visit. Lab values and treatment characteristics were combined with the patient’s subjective health assessment to calculate a toxicity score. Karnofsky and ECOG performance statuses, toxicities, treatment details, hospitalizations, and length of stay were collected. This project was approved by UPMC’s Quality Improvement Committee. Results: Initial pilot testing in sarcoma and genitourinary cancer clinics demonstrated that the implementation of a toxicity prediction tool is feasible in busy academic oncology clinics. We will present results of staff surveys related to the ease of use and utility of this tool. Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest the use of this chemotherapy toxicity tool, previously validated in the geriatric population, to be feasible and useful in adults with advanced cancer. Further data analysis and studies are planned to expand this validated tool in other oncology clinic settings, and evaluate how well predicted toxicity correlates with actual toxicity for patients of all ages and treatment types.

Abstract ES2-1: Assessing the older adult with breast cancer for treatment: Whom, why, when and how?

Abstract Breast cancer is primarily a disease of aging, with over 40% of breast cancers diagnosed in individuals age 65 and older. A key aspect of personalized medicine is to understand the risks and benefits of therapy for the individual. This process involves gaining a deeper understanding of an older adult's functional age in order to weigh the risks and benefits of therapy and to make treatment decisions in the context of the patient's preferences, goals, and values. A geriatric assessment can be utilized to understand an older adult's functional versus chronological age, as well as to identify the risk of chemotherapy toxicity and overall life expectancy (1). This assessment includes an evaluation of the following domains which are predictive of the risk of morbidity and/or mortality in older adults: functional status, comorbidity, cognition, psychological state, social support, nutritional status, and polypharmacy. The geriatric assessment identifies areas of vulnerability which can guide targeted interventions to assist the older adult undergoing cancer therapy. Barriers to the inclusion of a geriatric assessment in oncology practice include the time needed to complete the assessment. A primarily self-administered version of the geriatric assessment has been developed and is available online at the Cancer and Aging Research Group website (http://www.mycarg.org/SelectQuestionnaire). The assessment has been pilot tested in cooperative group trials as well as among patients receiving standard of care chemotherapy (2,3). These studies demonstrated that the majority of patients are able to complete the patient portion of the assessment on their own and are satisfied with the assessment length and content. Hence, it is feasible to capture geriatric assessment information in oncology practice. Studies have demonstrated the utility of a geriatric assessment in predicting the risk of chemotherapy toxicity among patients with all tumor types (3-5). An ongoing study in older adults receiving adjuvant treatment for breast cancer is evaluating the association between geriatric assessment variables, biomarkers of aging, and reduced relative dose intensity (RDI) of the prescribed chemotherapy regimen (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01472094). In this lecture we will discuss the key aspects of a geriatric assessment for older adults with breast cancer in order to facilitate individualized treatment decision making.

Validation of a Prediction Tool for Chemotherapy Toxicity in Older Adults With Cancer.

Older adults are at increased risk for chemotherapy toxicity, and standard oncology assessment measures cannot identify those at risk. A predictive model for chemotherapy toxicity was developed (N = 500) that consisted of geriatric assessment questions and other clinical variables. This study aims to externally validate this model in an independent cohort (N = 250). Patients age ≥ 65 years with a solid tumor, fluent in English, and who were scheduled to receive a new chemotherapy regimen were recruited from eight institutions. Risk of chemotherapy toxicity was calculated (low, medium, or high risk) on the basis of the prediction model before the start of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy-related toxicity was captured (grade 3 [hospitalization indicated], grade 4 [life threatening], and grade 5 [treatment-related death]). Validation of the prediction model was performed by calculating the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve. The study sample (N = 250) had a mean age of 73 years (range, 65 to 94 [standard deviation, 5.8]). More than one half of patients (58%) experienced grade ≥ 3 toxicity. Risk of toxicity increased with increasing risk score (36.7% low, 62.4% medium, 70.2% high risk; P < .001). The area under the curve of the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.58 to 0.71), which was not statistically different from the development cohort (0.72; 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.77; P = .09). There was no association between Karnofsky Performance Status and chemotherapy toxicity (P = .25). This study externally validated a chemotherapy toxicity predictive model for older adults with cancer. This predictive model should be considered when discussing the risks and benefits of chemotherapy with older adults.

Validation of a Prediction Tool for Chemotherapy Toxicity in Older Adults With Cancer

Validation of a Prediction Tool for Chemotherapy Toxicity in Older Adults With Cancer

Pilot of three objective markers of physical health and chemotherapy toxicity in older adults.

Patient function is a key part of the clinical decision to offer chemotherapy and has, in earlier studies, been associated with chemotherapy toxicity. Objective testing might be more accurate than patient-reported or physician-assessed physical function, and thus might be a stronger predictor of chemotherapy toxicity in older adults. Patients, 70 years of age and older, with thoracic or colorectal cancer were recruited. Three physical tests were performed before commencement of a new line of chemotherapy: grip strength, 4-m walk test, and the Timed Up and Go (tug). Our pilot study explored the association between those tests and chemotherapy toxicity. The 24 patients recruited had a median age of 74.5 years (range: 70-84 years), and 54.2% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1. Median score on the Charlson comorbidity index was 1 (range: 0-4). Almost two thirds had metastatic disease, 70% were chemonaïve, and 83.3% were about to receive polychemotherapy. Patients had a mean tug of 13.2 ± 5.7 s and a mean gait speed of 0.74 ± 0.24 m/s; 50% had a grip strength test in the lowest 20th percentile. Grades 3-5 chemotherapy toxicities occurred in 34.7% of the patients; two thirds required a dose reduction or delay; and one third discontinued chemotherapy because of toxicity. Hospitalization attributable to chemotherapy was uncommon (12.5%). A trend toward increased severe chemotherapy toxicity with slower gait speed was observed (p = 0.049). Abnormalities in objective markers of physical function are common in older adults with cancer, even in those deemed fit for chemotherapy. However, those abnormalities were not associated with an increased likelihood of chemotherapy toxicity in the population included in this small pilot study.

The impact of comprehensive geriatric assessment on final treatment decisions

Introduction: Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is the predominantly used tool to identify geriatric problems in elderly patients with cancer (1,2). There is increasing evidence that CGA can predict toxicity and mortality (3–5). If the results of a CGA affect clinical decision making of oncologists is less clear. Objectives: The aim of this studywas to determine the impact of CGA on treatment decisions prior to systemic therapy in elderly patients with cancer. Methods: A review of the literature was performed including studies published until the 27th of January 2014 using search terms including Neoplasm, Aged, Geriatric Assessment. Results: The impact of CGA on treatment decisions has sparsely been studied and none of these studies were randomized controlled trials (1,3,6). A meta-analysis performed in 2012, combined 6 studies on the impact of CGA on treatment decision making. The weighted percent modification was 23% (3). A study published in 2013 by Kenis et al. showed an impact of the CGA on treatment decision in 282 of 1115 patients (25%) (2). Another recent French retrospective study showed that CGA impacted final cancer treatment decision in 19 of 107 (18%) frail heterogenous cancer patients (6) (Table 1). Image: Conclusion: Impact of CGA on final treatment decision varies between 18 and 25%. So far, no clinical studies have demonstrated that CGA based treatment changes do improve treatment outcome or quality of life in patients with cancer due to lack of follow-up. Research is needed to determine the timing and the content of the assessment modifying clinical decision making by oncologists (7). Outcome measure should include objectively measured outcome, such as physical activity, patient reported outcome measures and classical endpoints like overall survival.

The relationship between age, anxiety, and depression in older adults with cancer.

In older men with prostate cancer, aging is associated with reduced anxiety and increased depression. The purpose of this study was to examine the association among age, anxiety, and depression in a cohort of older adults receiving chemotherapy. This is a secondary analysis of a prospective longitudinal study investigating chemotherapy toxicity in older adults with cancer. Baseline data (pre-chemotherapy) included: age, sociodemographics, tumor and treatment factors, functional status, comorbidities, psychological state (measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and social support. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the relationship between age, anxiety, and depression. The average age of the 500 patients (56% females) was 73.1. The majority had late stage disease: 22% Stage III and 61% stage IV. Clinically significant depression was reported in 12.6%. Clinically significant anxiety was reported in 20.9%. In univariate analyses, there was no association between anxiety and age, or depression and age. In multivariable analyses, older age (p=0.05) was associated with decreased anxiety, as well as lack of social support (p<0.01) and increased number of comorbidities (p<0.01). In multivariable analysis, depression was associated with lack of social support (p<0.01), increased number of comorbidities (p<0.01), and advanced stage (p<0.01). This study supports previous research that anxiety decreases with age in older adults with cancer. However, depression remained constant with increasing age. Greater resources and attention to identifying and treating the psychological sequelae of cancer in older adults are warranted.