Practical Assessment and Management of Vulnerabilities in Older Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: ASCO Guideline for Geriatric Oncology

Cachexia and Sarcopenia in Older Adults with Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

Cancer cachexia is a syndrome characterized by weight loss with accompanying loss of muscle and/or fat mass and leads to impaired patient function and physical performance and is associated with a poor prognosis. It is prevalent in older adults with cancer; age-associated physiologic muscle wasting and weakness, also known as sarcopenia, can compound deficits associated with cancer cachexia in older adults and makes studying this condition more complex in this population. Multiple measurement options are available to assess the older patient with cancer and cachexia and/or sarcopenia including anthropometric measures, imaging modalities such as Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and Computed Tomography (CT), muscular strength and physical performance testing, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). A geriatric assessment (GA) is a useful tool when studying the older patient with cachexia given its comprehensive ability to capture aging-sensitive PROs. Interventions focused on nutrition and increasing physical activity may improve outcomes in older adults with cachexia. Efforts to develop targeted pharmacologic therapies with cachexia have not been successful thus far. Formal treatment guidelines, an updated consensus definition for cancer cachexia and the development of a widely adapted assessment tool, much like the GA utilized in geriatric oncology, could help advance the field of cancer cachexia over the next decade.

Use of geriatric assessment in hematopoietic cell transplant

Hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) is an important aspect of treatment for many hematologic malignancies. As cancer is a disease associated with aging, and hematologic malignancies are no exception, rates of autologous and allogeneic HCT utilization in older adults are on the rise. The most common indications for autologous HCT are multiple myeloma and lymphoma, and for allogenic HCT are acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. Older adults into their eighth decade of life can have favorable outcomes after autologous and allogeneic HCT, at least among select patients. Evaluation of older adults prior to HCT can be aided by utilizing a geriatric assessment (GA). GA can identify areas of vulnerability in older adults prior to HCT not captured by more traditional measures. In the future, GA may be utilized to guide interventions prior to HCT to improve outcomes of older adults. Further studies are needed to expand the paucity of data in utilizing GA to identify three groups of patients: those who clearly benefit from HCT, those who would clearly be harmed, and those who might benefit but would require additional support during and after HCT.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in older adults: A comprehensive review by Young International Society of Geriatric Oncology

Given the prevalence and the rising incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in older adults worldwide, there is an urgent need to improve our understanding of the implications of treatment modalities in this population. The care of older patients with HCC is challenging due to the lack of evidence-based recommendations in this population. The current treatment approach for older patients relies on extrapolation of data from clinical trials conducted mostly in younger patients or fit older adults. Further, in the last few years, the arsenal of systemic treatments has increased with currently seven FDA-approved therapies available for patients with advanced HCC. Therefore, understanding how to apply current data to this unique and diverse patient population is necessary. This review will aim to shed light on the approach to older adults with HCC through an assessment of available data in the literature.

Prospective clinical trial evaluating vulnerability and chemotherapy risk using geriatric assessment tools in older patients with lung cancer

AIM

In Japan, the number of older patients with cancer has been increasing. Assessment of performance status, cognitive function and social background is necessary for the treatment of older patients. The aims of the present study were: (i) to establish an evaluation system using electronic medical records; and (ii) to distinguish older patients as fit versus vulnerable or frail according to a geriatric assessment (GA) system score.

METHODS

We incorporated GA tools in our electronic medical records system and carried out comprehensive assessments for patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer aged ≥65 years. The decision about primary treatment followed consultation with the clinical team and was not guided by GA scores. Subsequent treatment and outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients had completed GA. The average age was 75 years (range 65-94 years). Regarding GA results, 63% were positive on the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment 7, 39% on the Vulnerable Elderly Survey-13 and 84% on the Geriatric 8. The percentage of vulnerable patients (positive on all three GA) was significantly higher in the non-standard therapy group (n = 19) than in the standard therapy group (n = 81; 78.9% vs 21.0%, P < 0.001). Among vulnerable patients who received standard therapy, 47% discontinued chemotherapy as a result of toxicity. Even if a patient was considered vulnerable based on GA scores, chemotherapy is possibly safe for those with EGFR mutations.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed the feasibility of this system. During decision-making for older patients with cancer, a combination of GA helps prevent undertreatment or overtreatment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 1108-1111.

Remaining challenges in predicting patient outcomes for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Introduction: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is an aggressive malignancy with heterogeneous outcomes. Diverse methods for DLBCL outcomes assessment ranging from clinical to genomic have been developed with variable predictive and prognostic success.Areas covered: The authors provide an overview of the various methods currently used to estimate prognosis in DLBCL patients. Models incorporating cell of origin, genomic features, sociodemographic factors, treatment effectiveness measures, and machine learning are described.Expert opinion: The clinical and genetic heterogeneity of DLBCL presents distinct challenges in predicting response to therapy and overall prognosis. Successful integration of predictive and prognostic tools in clinical trials and in a standard clinical workflow for DLBCL will likely require a combination of methods incorporating clinical, sociodemographic, and molecular factors with the aid of machine learning and high-dimensional data analysis.

Cancer statistics for adults aged 85 years and older, 2019

Adults aged 85 years and older, the "oldest old," are the fastest-growing age group in the United States, yet relatively little is known about their cancer burden. Combining data from the National Cancer Institute, the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, and the National Center for Health Statistics, the authors provide comprehensive information on cancer occurrence in adults aged 85 years and older. In 2019, there will be approximately 140,690 cancer cases diagnosed and 103,250 cancer deaths among the oldest old in the United States. The most common cancers in these individuals (lung, breast, prostate, and colorectum) are the same as those in the general population. Overall cancer incidence rates peaked in the oldest men and women around 1990 and have subsequently declined, with the pace accelerating during the past decade. These trends largely reflect declines in cancers of the prostate and colorectum and, more recently, cancers of the lung among men and the breast among women. We note differences in trends for some cancers in the oldest age group (eg, lung cancer and melanoma) compared with adults aged 65 to 84 years, which reflect elevated risks in the oldest generations. In addition, cancers in the oldest old are often more advanced at diagnosis. For example, breast and colorectal cancers diagnosed in patients aged 85 years and older are about 10% less likely to be diagnosed at a local stage compared with those diagnosed in patients aged 65 to 84 years. Patients with cancer who are aged 85 years and older have the lowest relative survival of any age group, with the largest disparities noted when cancer is diagnosed at advanced stages. They are also less likely to receive surgical treatment for their cancers; only 65% of breast cancer patients aged 85 years and older received surgery compared with 89% of those aged 65 to 84 years. This difference may reflect the complexities of treating older patients, including the presence of multiple comorbidities, functional declines, and cognitive impairment, as well as competing mortality risks and undertreatment. More research on cancer in the oldest Americans is needed to improve outcomes and anticipate the complex health care needs of this rapidly growing population.

Prospective Long-Term Follow-Up of Pulmonary Diffusion Capacity Reduction Caused by Dose-Dense Chemotherapy in Patients with Breast Cancer

Background

Our previous study of pulmonary function in 34 patients with early breast cancer without preexisting lung disease showed that anthracycline- and taxane-based adjuvant dose-dense chemotherapy (DDC) caused a significant 16.4% mean reduction in carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO). The present study reports the pulmonary and oncological outcomes of these patients on long-term follow-up.

Patients and methods

The primary endpoint was DLCO measured by the pulmonary function test (PFT) performed at a median of 27 months after DDC (range, 8–97) in 25 patients without disease recurrence. DLCO values were recorded as a percentage of predicted values according to age, height, and hemoglobin level and analyzed relative to baseline pre-DDC DLCO values. The secondary endpoints were symptoms, additional therapies, and cancer outcomes during a median of 11 years' follow-up (range, 4.4–11.4).

Results

A longitudinal general linear model showed significant effects of time on DLCO and its trend (F(1, 87) = 14.68, p < 0.001 and F(1, 87) = 10.26, p=0.002, respectively). Complementary descriptive analysis showed a significant recovery on the follow-up PFT (75.6% vs. 81.9%, p=0.002), but it was still significantly lower than the baseline DLCO (81.9% vs. 92.0%, p=0.003). Five patients (20%) still showed a >20% relative DLCO reduction from baseline. Patients with dyspnea or fatigue at later clinical follow-up had a significantly lower DLCO value on the follow-up PFT than nonsymptomatic patients (80.5% vs. 92.1%, p=0.02). DLCO recovery was inversely correlated with age (R = −0.39, p=0.05), but no significant correlation was found with the length of time until the follow-up PFT or additional therapies. There was no association of DDC-related DLCO reduction with cancer outcomes.

Conclusions

The significant reduction in DLCO seen after DDC in patients with potentially curable breast cancer is evident years afterwards, especially in older patients. While most patients partly recover, some will have a lasting symptomatic DLCO impairment.

Clinical research in older adults with hematologic malignancies: Opportunities for alignment in the Veterans Affairs

Management of hematologic malignancies in older patients is complex and, with recent and anticipated trends in demographics, increasingly common. As a large, nationally integrated medical system the Veterans Affairs has the potential to lead in research to benefit these patients. In this review we describe the evolving treatment paradigms of hematologic malignancies and how they are best fit with older patients through comprehensive evaluation of key vulnerabilities. We also discuss optimization of supportive care and navigation services to target identified risks and challenges aimed at ameliorating the patient's burden of cancer and treatment. Lastly, we discuss opportunities in design of prospective clinical trials to better align with real-world cases, thereby expanding enrollment of and applicability to older patients with hematologic malignancies.

Estimating survival time in older adults receiving chemotherapy for advanced cancer

PURPOSE

We determined the accuracy of oncologists' estimates of expected survival time (EST) for older adults with advanced cancer, and explored predictors of survival from a geriatric assessment (GA).

METHODS

Patients aged ≥65 years starting a new line of palliative chemotherapy were eligible. For each patient at enrolment, oncologists estimated EST and rated frailty (Canadian Study on Health and Aging Clinical Frailty Scale, 1 = very fit, to 7 = severely frail), and a researcher completed a GA. We anticipated estimates of EST to be: imprecise [<33% between 0.67 and 1.33 times the observed survival time (OST)]; unbiased (approximately 50% of participants living longer than their EST); and, useful for estimating individualised worst-case (10% living ≤¼ times their EST), typical (50% living half to double EST), and best-case (10% living ≥3 times EST) scenarios for survival time. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of OST.

RESULTS

The 102 participants [median age 74 years, vulnerable to frail (4-7 on scale) 35%] had a median OST of 15 months. 30% of estimates of EST were within 0.67-1.33 times the OST. 54% of participants lived longer than their EST, 9% lived ≤1/4 of their EST and 56% lived half to double their EST. Follow-up was insufficient to observe those living ≥3 times their EST. Independent predictors of OST were frailty (HR 4.16, p < .0001) and cancer type (p = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

Oncologists' estimates of EST were imprecise, but unbiased and accurate for formulating scenarios for survival. A pragmatic frailty rating was identified as a potentially useful predictor of OST.

Impact of geriatric vulnerabilities on allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation outcomes in older patients with hematologic malignancies

Older patients are at increased risk for complications and death following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Traditional transplant-specific prognostic indices such as hematopoietic cell transplant comorbidity index (HCT-CI) may not capture all underlying geriatric vulnerabilities, and in-depth evaluation by a geriatrician prior to transplant may not always be available. We hypothesize that routine pretransplant interdisciplinary clinical assessment may uncover prognostically important geriatric deficits. Using an institutional database of 457 adults aged 60 years and older who underwent first allo-HCT for hematological malignancies from 2010 to 2017, we examined the prognostic impact of pretransplant deficits in geriatric domains of function, mobility, mood, medication, nutrition, and relevant biochemical markers. We found that impairment in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) was associated with reduced survival through increased nonrelapse mortality (NRM, HR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.04-3.19). The combination of IADL impairment with either HCT-CI/age index or disease risk index readily stratified NRM and overall survival, respectively. In addition, we found that even mild renal dysfunction adversely impacted survival in older transplant patients. Our findings establish important geriatric vulnerabilities in older patients prior to allo-HCT and may provide an entry point for prospective, interventional trials to improve their outcomes.

Pharmacotherapeutic considerations for elderly patients with colorectal cancer

Introduction: Oncology care in the elderly presents a dilemma. The majority of cancer cases are diagnosed in the elderly yet they are underrepresented in clinical trials. In addition to limited evidence-based medicine, the elderly is a heterogeneous population filled with pharmacotherapeutic challenges and barriers. Elderly metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treatment decisions encompass these challenges.Areas covered: Treatment based solely on chronological age is an unacceptable practice. Physiologic factors such as function, cognition, comorbidities, polypharmacy, among others must be considered. Oncology guidelines emphasize using a geriatric assessment (GA) as opposed to traditional oncology performance status measures to best identify risks. Our review shines light on these issues as they pertain to elderly unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).Expert opinion: The practical use of GA tools in oncology remain to be determined. Current barriers are the lack of a consistent tool to unify decision-making, provider education, and evidence-based use/outcomes in specific cancers. mCRC antineoplastic data surrounding GAs are scarce, and current mCRC national treatment algorithms are not stratified to encompass GA-driven therapy. Therefore, providers lack clear guidance or practicality of use. We hope mCRC trial designs will abandon age cutoffs and instead place more focus on GAs for inclusion and outcomes.

Arti Hurria and the progress in integrating the geriatric assessment into oncology: Young International Society of Geriatric Oncology review paper

Until recently, the progress in the diagnosis and management of cancer has not been matched by similar progress in the assessment of the increasing numbers of older and more complex patients with cancer. Dr. Arti Hurria identified this gap at the outset of her career, which she dedicated toward studying the geriatric assessment (GA) as an improvement over traditional methods used in oncology to assess vulnerability in older patients with cancer. This review documents the progress of the GA and its integration into oncology. First, we detail the GA's origins in the field of geriatrics. Next, we chronicle the early rise of geriatric oncology, highlighting the calls of early thought-leaders to meet the demands of the rapidly aging cancer population. We describe Dr. Hurria's early efforts toward meeting these calls though the implementation of the GA in oncology research. We then summarize some of the seminal studies constituting the evidence base supporting GA's implementation. Finally, we lay out the evolution of cancer-focused guidelines recommending the GA, concluding with future needs to advance the next steps toward more widespread implementation in routine cancer care. Throughout, we describe Dr. Hurria's vision and its execution in driving progress of the GA in oncology, from her fellowship training to her co-authored guidelines recommending GA for all older adults with cancer-published in the year of her untimely death.

Prediction of hospital admissions and grade 3-4 toxicities in cancer patients 70 years old and older receiving chemotherapy

AIM

To predict chemotherapy toxicity and hospitalisations in elderly patients using clinical and laboratory parameters.

METHODS

Records of cancer patients 70 years old or older who received adjuvant chemotherapy or first-line chemotherapy for a cancer in a single centre were reviewed. Factors associated with hospitalisations, grade 3-4 toxicities and dose reductions during treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 275 patients included in the study. Most patients (53.8%) were 70 to 75 years old. One hundred and five patients (38.2%) had a hospital admission during or within a month after their chemotherapy treatment. The only factor associated with admissions in the multivariate analysis was ECOG performance status (PS) >1 (p = .008, odds ratio 2.66, 95% CI: 1.28-5.53) and hypoalbuminaemia approached significance. Grade 3 and 4 toxicities were associated with a lower creatinine clearance in the multivariate analysis (p = .01, odds ratio 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-1.0), and dose reductions were associated with metastatic stage (p = .03, odds ratio 1.88, 95% CI: 1.05-3.35). A combined index with all four parameters was associated with all three outcomes of interest.

CONCLUSION

ECOG PS, stage, albumin and creatinine clearance may be predictive of hospital admissions, grade 3-4 toxicities and dose reduction rates in cancer patients 70 years old and older receiving chemotherapy.

Effects of cancer history on functional age and mortality

BACKGROUND

Cancer, its treatment, and associated adverse effects may accelerate the functional aging of cancer survivors. In the current study, the authors used geriatric assessment (GA) to compare the functional age of long-term cancer survivors with that of similarly aged women without a cancer history, and to examine whether functional age influences all-cause mortality differently between these 2 groups.

METHODS

Participants included 1723 cancer survivors and 11,145 age-matched, cancer-free women enrolled in the Iowa Women's Health Study in 1986 who completed the 2004 questionnaire (at ages 73-88 years). GA domain deficits included ≥2 physical function limitations, ≥2 comorbidities, poor general health, poor mental health, and underweight. The risk of all-cause mortality was estimated for deficits in each GA domain between 4 groups based on the cross-classification of the presence and/or absence of cancer history and GA domain deficit (the referent group was cancer-free women without a GA deficit).

RESULTS

Both cancer history and GA domain deficits significantly predicted 10-year mortality for all GA domains. Cancer survivors without deficits had a 1.3-fold to 1.4-fold risk of mortality, similar to the 1.1-fold to 1.7-fold risk noted among cancer-free women with deficits (all P < .05). Cancer survivors with deficits were found to have the highest mortality risk for 4 of 5 domains (hazard ratio range, 1.6-2.0). Mortality risk increased with the increasing number of GA deficits, which was greater in cancer survivors compared with cancer-free women.

CONCLUSIONS

Even without GA deficits, cancer survivors appear to have an excess risk of death compared with women without cancer, and these deficits add to mortality risk. Interventions are needed to maintain or improve functional/physiological capacity as women age, especially in cancer survivors.

Association between chemotherapy toxicity risk scores and physical symptoms among older Brazilian adults with cancer

OBJECTIVE

Utilizing the Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG) chemotherapy toxicity risk score before starting treatment in older adults with cancer is guideline-recommended. However, this has not been tested in most developing countries. We investigated the use of a Portuguese version of the CARG score, including the association between this score and physical symptoms, among older Brazilian adults with cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We enrolled patients aged ≥65 starting chemotherapy at a public Brazilian hospital. A Portuguese version of the CARG tool was created and linguistically validated. Patients were assessed for chemotherapy toxicity risk using the CARG score, and physical symptoms were evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-General (FACT-G) scale. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify physical symptoms associated with high CARG scores, including pain, nausea, and fatigue.

RESULTS

Older patients (65+) with cancer were enrolled (n = 117). Patients were mostly female (57.3%), white (52.1%), married (52.1%), and had less than high school education (75.2%). Breast, gastrointestinal and lung cancers were the most common diagnosis, and 66.7% had metastatic disease. Elevated pain scores (P < .01) were associated with higher chemotherapy toxicity risk scores, even after adjusting for potential confounders.

CONCLUSION

We created and implemented a Portuguese language version of the CARG tool. We found that, although physical symptoms are not included in the CARG model, elevated pain was strongly associated with having a high CARG score. As a modifiable risk factor, pain should be addressed among older patients with cancer considering chemotherapy, to help mitigate their risks for toxicity.

Potentially Curable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: ASCO Clinical Practice Guideline Update

PURPOSE

The purpose of this guideline update is to incorporate recently reported practice-changing evidence into ASCO's recommendations on potentially curable pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

ASCO convened an Expert Panel to evaluate data from PRODIGE 24/CCTG PA.6, a phase III, multicenter, randomized clinical trial of postoperative leucovorin calcium, fluorouracil, irinotecan hydrochloride, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) versus gemcitabine alone, presented at the 2018 ASCO Annual Meeting. In addition, PubMed was searched for additional papers that may influence the existing recommendations.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The Expert Panel only updated Recommendation 4.1 as a result of the practice-changing data. Recommendation 4.1 states that all patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma who did not receive preoperative therapy should be offered 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy in the absence of medical or surgical contraindications. The modified combination regimen of 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan (mFOLFIRINOX; oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2, leucovorin 400 mg/m2, irinotecan 150 mg/m2 D1, and 5-fluorouracil 2.4 g/m2 over 46 hours every 14 days for 12 cycles) is now preferred in the absence of concerns for toxicity or tolerance; alternatively, doublet therapy with gemcitabine and capecitabine or monotherapy with gemcitabine alone or fluorouracil plus folinic acid alone can be offered.Additional information can be found at www.asco.org/gastrointestinal-cancer-guidelines.

Utility of a chemotherapy toxicity prediction tool for older patients in a community setting

Background

Expert groups have recommended incorporation of a geriatric assessment into clinical practice for older patients starting oncologic therapy. However, that practice is not standard primarily because of resource limitations. In the present study, we evaluated the effect on treatment decisions by oncologists in the community oncology setting of a brief geriatric assessment tool that estimates risk of toxicity.

Methods

This prospective longitudinal study in 5 community oncology practices in British Columbia involved patients 70 years of age and older starting a new cytotoxic chemotherapy regimen. Clinical personnel completed a brief validated geriatric assessment tool-the Cancer and Aging Research Group chemotherapy toxicity tool (carg-tt)-that estimates the risk of grade 3 or greater toxicity in older patients. Physicians were asked if the carg-tt changed their treatment plan or prompted extra supports. Patients were followed to assess the incidence of toxicity during treatment.

Results

The study enrolled 199 patients between July 2016 and February 2018. Mean age was 77 years. Treatment was palliative in 61.4% of the group. Compared with physician judgment, the carg-tt predicted higher rates of toxicity. In 5 patients, treatment was changed based on the carg-tt. In 38.5% of the patients, data from the tool prompted extra supports. Within the first 3 cycles of treatment, 21.3% of patients had experienced grade 3 or greater toxicity.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that use of a brief geriatric assessment tool is possible in a broad community oncology practice. The tool modified the oncologist's supportive care plan for a significant number of older patients undertaking cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Basic geriatric principles for colorectal surgeons: How to optimize assessment and care of older patients in the perioperative period

BACKGROUND

The majority of patients with colorectal cancer are older. For surgeons dealing with older patients, it is important to recognize patients that are frail and have an increased risk of complications and mortality. In this review, we will go through pre-treatment assessment, peri-operative management, as well as discharge planning and rehabilitation.

METHODS

This review is based on searching the literature for studies regarding colorectal cancer, frailty, cognition, patient preferences and geriatric assessment as well as the academic and clinical experience of the authors.

RESULTS

In the pre-treatment assessment, surgeons need to consider capacity to consent, patient preferences, frailty and life-expectancy, risk of complications, and whether the patient can be optimized before surgery. Then, the patient and treatment options should be discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting. When the patient is admitted for surgery, discharge planning should start immediately, and if complications such as delirium or falls occur, the patient should be co-managed with geriatric services.

CONCLUSION

Frail older adults with colorectal cancer need a tailored approach from pre-treatment assessment until discharge after surgery, and co-management with a geriatrician is recommended. If this is not possible, surgeons treating frail older patients may improve care by adapting some geriatric principles.

Gait speed, grip strength, and clinical outcomes in older patients with hematologic malignancies

This study aimed to evaluate whether gait speed and grip strength predicted clinical outcomes among older adults with blood cancers. We prospectively recruited 448 patients aged 75 years and older presenting for initial consultation at the myelodysplastic syndrome/leukemia, myeloma, or lymphoma clinic of a large tertiary hospital, who agreed to assessment of gait and grip. A subset of 314 patients followed for ≥6 months at local institutions was evaluated for unplanned hospital or emergency department (ED) use. We used Cox proportional hazard models calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for survival, and logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for hospital or ED use. Mean age was 79.7 (± 4.0 standard deviation) years. After adjustment for age, sex, Charlson comorbidity index, cognition, treatment intensity, and cancer aggressiveness/type, every 0.1-m/s decrease in gait speed was associated with higher mortality (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.12-1.29), odds of unplanned hospitalizations (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.16-1.51), and ED visits (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.17-1.53). Associations held among patients with good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (0 or 1). Every 5-kg decrease in grip strength was associated with worse survival (adjusted HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.07-1.43) but not hospital or ED use. A model with gait speed and all covariates had comparable predictive power to comprehensive validated frailty indexes (phenotype and cumulative deficit) and all covariates. In summary, gait speed is an easily obtained "vital sign" that accurately identifies frailty and predicts outcomes independent of performance status among older patients with blood cancers.

Envisioning Arti's 'Cadillac study' to assess aging trajectories in cancer survivors

The "Cadillac Study" was the term Arti Hurria, MD often used to articulate her vision of the optimal study to investigate the effects of cancer and its treatments on aging trajectories. In her opinion, this study needed to be designed for near-term clinical translation and have the ability to discern subpopulations of cancer survivors at greatest risk for poor outcomes. The purpose of this commentary is to describe, to the best of our knowledge, Arti's Cadillac Study based on personal conversations, group discussions, and her substantial portfolio of research. We describe the necessary study components of the Cadillac Study and discuss approaches to circumvent perceived barriers. In Arti's honor, our goal is to bring awareness and new perspectives to research on the aging consequences of cancer and cancer treatment to move the field forward.

[Integral approach to the older patient with cancer]

Introduction

The world population, as well as the number of elderly people, grow exponentially. Elderly individuals are at a higher risk of developing an oncological disease, especially because they are subject to a longer period of exposure to carcinogens, and a worse capacity for regeneration of their deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (1). Cancer in elderly individuals represents 80% of the annual deaths secondary to this pathology (2). The older patient with cancer presents many differences with respect to the rest of elderly individuals. On the one hand, functional limitation and geriatric syndromes are more prevalent (3), as well as the presence of frailty (4). In addition, they habitually have a worse perception of their health status (4). For all these reasons, the attention to oncological older patients must be specialized and, in their evaluation, the use of a fundamental tool is required, the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). As its name indicates, its application requires collaboration between different specialties (5,6). This multidisciplinary work will improve the baseline situation of the patient, in those cases in which it is possible, and will facilitate the subsequent therapeutic management (7). Finally, the existence of concrete organizational models, such as the Oncogeriatrics Units, or the Cancer Consultations in the Elderly, can facilitate and favor this integral approach (5). In this article a review of all these concepts is carried out.

Predicting Life Expectancy for Older Adults with Cancer in Clinical Practice: Implications for Shared Decision-making

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The calculation of noncancer-specific life expectancy can guide shared decision-making and avoid over- and undertreatment in older adults with cancer. Several factors determine life expectancy, including socio-demographic background, comorbidities, physical performance, and geriatric assessment variables. We present an overview of existing tools to estimate life expectancy, as well as practical examples of how to take into account the patient's noncancer-specific life expectancy when discussing screening decisions, initiation of treatment, and end-of-life care.

RECENT FINDINGS

Life expectancy prognostication has been recently recommended by international societies as part of the initial assessment of all older adults with cancer. Additionally, online resources have been created in order to make life expectancy calculation tools accessible for clinicians. Understanding available methods to estimate life expectancy, as well as how to utilize them, is a fundamental part of geriatric oncology that should be integrated into everyday clinical practice.

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment as a Versatile Tool to Enhance the Care of the Older Person Diagnosed with Cancer

The comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is a versatile tool for the care of the older person diagnosed with cancer. The purpose of this article is to detail how a CGA can be tailored to Ambulatory Geriatric Oncology Programs (AGOPs) in academic cancer centers and to community oncology practices with varying levels of resources. The Society for International Oncology in Geriatrics (SIOG) recommends CGA as a foundation for treatment planning and decision-making for the older person receiving care for a malignancy. A CGA is often administered by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) composed of professionals who provide geriatric-focused cancer care. CGA can be used as a one-time consult for surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy providers to predict treatment tolerance or as an ongoing part of patient care to manage malignant and non-malignant issues. Administrative support and proactive infrastructure planning to address scheduling, referrals, and provider communication are critical to the effectiveness of the CGA.

Immunotherapy in Older Adults: A Checkpoint to Palliation?

The excitement about immunotherapy is justified. Patients with advanced disease and limited life expectancy before immune checkpoint inhibitors are now having prolonged and sometimes complete responses to treatment; however, most patients do not respond to checkpoint inhibitors. The hope for a meaningful response with only a limited risk of high-grade toxicity generated a prognostic dilemma for patients with advanced cancers and their treating oncologists. Older adults with advanced cancers are at the intersection of multiple biologic and clinical factors that can influence the efficacy of immunotherapy. Treating physicians should take all of these elements into account when considering treatment options for an older adult with advanced disease. Oncologists should have an honest conversation with their patients regarding the uncertainty around the clinical profile of checkpoint inhibitors. Early high-quality goals of care discussions can help manage expectations of older adults with advanced cancer treated with immunotherapy. We review in this paper select clinical characteristics that are important to consider when evaluating an older adult for checkpoint inhibitor therapy. In addition, we discuss strategies to optimize goals of care discussion given the increasing complexity of prognostication in the immunotherapy era.

Clinical and Cost-effectiveness of a Comprehensive geriatric assessment and management for Canadian elders with Cancer-the 5C study: a study protocol for a randomised controlled phase III trial

INTRODUCTION

Geriatric assessment and management is recommended for older adults with cancer referred for chemotherapy but no randomised controlled trial has been completed of this intervention in the oncology setting.

TRIAL DESIGN

A two-group parallel single blind multi-centre randomised trial with a companion trial-based economic evaluation from both payer and societal perspectives with process evaluation.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 350 participants aged 70+, diagnosed with a solid tumour, lymphoma or myeloma, referred for first/second line chemotherapy, who speak English/French, have an Eastern Collaborative Oncology Group Performance Status 0-2 will be recruited. All participants will be followed for 12 months.

INTERVENTION

Geriatric assessment and management for 6 months. The control group will receive usual oncologic care. All participants will receive a monthly healthy ageing booklet for 6 months.

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical and cost-effectiveness of geriatric assessment and management in optimising outcomes compared with usual oncology care.

RANDOMISATION

Participants will be allocated to one of the two arms in a 1:1 ratio. The randomisation will be stratified by centre and treatment intent (palliative vs other).

OUTCOME

Quality of life.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

(1) Cost-effectiveness, (2) functional status, (3) number of geriatric issues successfully addressed, (4) grades3-5 treatment toxicity, (5) healthcare use, (6) satisfaction, (7) cancer treatment plan modification and (8) overall survival.

PLANNED ANALYSIS

For the primary outcome we will use a pattern mixture model using an intent-to-treat approach (at 3, 6 and12 months). We will conduct a cost-utility analysis alongside this clinical trial. For secondary outcomes 2-4, we will use a variety of methods.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Our study has been approved by all required REBs. We will disseminate our findings to stakeholders locally, nationally and internationally and by publishing the findings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03154671.

Immunotherapy in Older Adults with Cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to examine the latest research and data on the use of immunotherapy in older adults with cancer in order to identify key gaps in the literature for future research.

RECENT FINDINGS

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are gaining approval and being incorporated into routine clinical use for numerous malignancies across age groups due to their overall efficacy and favorable side effect profiles. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors appear both safe and effective in older adults, deliberate study of immunotherapies in older adults is highly warranted given the paucity of data in a population with unique immunobiology that comprises the majority of the cancer population worldwide.

Geriatric oncology: assessing the needs of older people with cancer

A majority of cancer cases now occur among older people, but this group is less likely to receive treatment and outcomes are poorer than in younger people. Age by itself can be a poor predictor of who will benefit from treatment with surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Comprehensive geriatric assessment is a multidisciplinary, multidomain process that helps to identify frailty, which is associated with increased mortality. Comprehensive geriatric assessment highlights areas that should be optimized before treatment and helps support a shared decision-making approach. Geriatricians, oncologists and surgeons now work together to help assess and support older people with cancer.

Geriatric Assessment Predicts Hospitalization Frequency and Long-Term Care Use in Older Adult Cancer Survivors

PURPOSE

The association between geriatric assessment (GA)-identified impairments and long-term health care use in older cancer survivors remains unknown. Our objective was to evaluate whether a GA performed at cancer diagnosis was predictive of hospitalizations and long-term care (LTC) use in older adult cancer survivors.

METHODS

Older adults with GA performed between 3 months before through 6 months after diagnosis were included (N = 125). Patients with Medicare Parts A and B coverage and no managed care were identified. Hospitalizations and LTC use (skilled nursing or assisted living) were assessed up to 5 years postdiagnosis. GA risk measures were evaluated in separate Poisson models estimating the relative risk (RR) for hospital and LTC visits, adjusting for age and Charlson comorbidity score.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 74 years, and the majority were female (80%) and white (90%). Breast cancer (64%) and early-stage disease (stages 0 to III, 77%) were common. Prefrail/frail status (RR, 2.5; P < .001), instrumental activities of daily living impairment (RR, 5.47; P < .001), and limitations in climbing stairs (RR, 2.94; P < .001) were associated with increased hospitalizations. Prefrail/frail status (RR, 1.86; P < .007), instrumental activities of daily living impairment (RR, 4.58; P < .001), presence of falls (RR, 6.73; P < .001), prolonged Timed Up and Go (RR, 5.45; P < .001), and limitations in climbing stairs (RR, 1.89; P < .005) were associated with LTC use.

CONCLUSION

GA-identified impairments were associated with increased hospitalizations and LTC use among older adults with cancer. GA-focused interventions should be targeted toward high-risk patients to reduce long-term adverse health care use in this vulnerable population.

Quality of Life of Caregivers of Older Patients with Advanced Cancer

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relationships between aging-related domains captured by geriatric assessment (GA) for older patients with advanced cancer and caregivers' emotional health and quality of life (QOL).

DESIGN

In this cross sectional study of baseline data from a nationwide investigation of older patients and their caregivers, patients completed a GA that included validated tests to evaluate eight domains of health (eg, function, cognition).

SETTING

Thirty-one community oncology practices throughout the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Enrolled patients were aged 70 and older, had one or more GA domain impaired, and had an incurable solid tumor malignancy or lymphoma. Each could choose one caregiver to enroll.

MEASUREMENTS

Caregivers completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Distress Thermometer, Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (depression), and Short Form Health Survey-12 (SF-12 for QOL). Separate multivariate linear or logistic regression models were used to examine the association of the number and type of patient GA impairments with caregiver outcomes, controlling for patient and caregiver covariates.

RESULTS

A total of 541 patients were enrolled, 414 with a caregiver. Almost half (43.5%) of the caregivers screened positive for distress, 24.4% for anxiety, and 18.9% for depression. Higher numbers of patient GA domain impairments were associated with caregiver depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.29; P < .001], caregiver physical health on SF-12 (regression coefficient [β] = -1.24; P < .001), and overall caregiver QOL (β = -1.14; P < .01). Impaired patient function was associated with lower caregiver QOL (β = -4.11; P < .001). Impaired patient nutrition was associated with caregiver depression (aOR = 2.08; P < .01). Lower caregiver age, caregiver comorbidity, and patient distress were also associated with worse caregiver outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Patient GA impairments were associated with poorer emotional health and lower QOL of caregivers. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:969-977, 2019.

Lessons Learned from Arti-Collaborating to Improve Care: the Past, Present, and Future of the Cancer and Aging Research Group

Dr Arti Hurria, who died tragically in November 2018, was a driving force in the growing field of geriatric oncology. She led the field through her commitment to her goals, collaboration with her colleagues, and the creation of the Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG). As two of her closest colleagues, we are carrying her work forward with our colleagues through an infrastructure grant we led with Arti from the National Institute on Aging (R21/33; CARinG). This grant will provide a national structure for continuing to build the field through research, mentorship, and dissemination. We miss our friend dearly but are committed to carrying her legacy forward through CARG. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:879-883, 2019.

The pharmacologic management of multiple myeloma in older adults

INTRODUCTION

Multiple myeloma is a disease predominately affecting older adults. Pivotal to treating older adults is understanding their physiologic differences compared to younger subjects and how the complexity of therapies has an impact upon this patient population.

AREAS COVERED

Herein, the authors address the efficacy of chemotherapy regimens, decision-making for older adults, chemotherapy-associated toxicity and the approach to management. This review focuses on the complex treatment of older multiple myeloma patients and management of treatment-related adverse events.

EXPERT OPINION

Balancing efficacy and managing toxicity is a challenge for older myeloma patients. This group is more susceptible to treatment toxicities due to a higher incidence of pre-existing comorbidities and underlying diminished physiologic reserve. Intensive therapies such as autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (AHCT), however, still should be considered for all multiple myeloma patients, including older adults. The continued development of novel therapies and increased use of multi-drug regimens has changed the treatment paradigms yet understanding the complexity of the aging adult in the context of various drugs is warranted.

The Burden of Breast Cancer Predisposition Variants Across The Age Spectrum Among 10 000 Patients

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) at an older age are less likely to undergo genetic cancer risk assessment and genetic testing since the guidelines and referrals are biased toward earlier age at diagnosis. Thus, we determined the prevalence and type of pathogenic cancer predisposition variants among women with a history of BC diagnosed at the age of 65 years or older vs younger than 65 years.

DESIGN

Prospective registration cohort.

SETTING

The Clinical Cancer Genomics Community Research Network, including 40 community-based clinics in the United States and 5 in Latin America.

PARTICIPANTS

Women with BC and genetic testing results.

MEASUREMENTS

Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical variables, and genetic profiles were compared between women aged 65 years and older and those younger than 65 years at BC diagnosis.

RESULTS

Among 588 women diagnosed with BC and aged 65 years and older and 9412 diagnosed at younger than 65 years, BC-associated pathogenic variants (PVs) were detected in 5.6% of those aged 65 years and older (n = 33) and 14.2% of those younger than 65 years (n = 1340) (P < .01). PVs in high-risk genes (eg, BRCA1 and BRCA2) represented 81.1% of carriers among women aged 65 years and older (n = 27) and 93.1% of those younger than 65 years (n = 1248) (P = .01). BRCA2 PVs represented 42.4% of high-risk gene findings for those aged 65 years and older, whereas BRCA1 PVs were most common among carriers younger than 65 years (49.7%). PVs (n = 7) in moderate-risk genes represented 21.2% for carriers aged 65 years and older and 7.3% of those younger than 65 years (n = 98; P < .01). CHEK2 PVs were the most common moderate-risk gene finding in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Clinically actionable BC susceptibility PVs, particularly in BRCA2 and CHEK2, were relatively prevalent among older women undergoing genetic testing. The significant burden of PVs for older women with BC provides a critical reminder to recognize the full spectrum of eligibility and provide genetic testing for older women, rather than exclusion based on chronological age alone. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:884-888, 2019.

Personalizing therapy for older adults with acute myeloid leukemia: Role of geriatric assessment and genetic profiling

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presents therapeutic challenges in older adults because of high-risk leukemia biology conferring chemoresistance, and poor functional status resulting in increased therapy-related toxicities. Recent FDA approval of 8 new drugs for AML has increased therapeutic armamentarium and also provides effective low-intensity treatment options. Rational therapy selection strategies that consider individual's risk of therapy-related toxicities and probability of disease control can maximize benefits of available treatments. Studies have demonstrated that fitness level, measured by geriatric assessment can predict therapy-related toxicities, whereas cytogenetic and mutation results correlate with the probability of responses to standard chemotherapy. We are approaching an era when we move from "one size fits all" approach to personalized therapy selection based on geriatric assessment, genetic and molecular profiling.