Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment and Association With Survival Among Older Patients With Hematologic Cancers

Health-related and sociodemographic factors associated with physical frailty among older cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with frailty in older cancer survivors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study using data from the National Social Health and Aging Project (NSHAP) Wave 2, and includes an in-home, nationally representative sample of community-dwelling adults ≥50 years and older from the United States. Frailty score was computed for each individual using a modified 4-point scale based on the phenotypic frailty. Ordinal logistic regression was used to characterize the association between health-related, sociodemographic factors and frailty.

RESULTS

Among the 3377 participants, 461 were cancer survivors (answered "yes" to "ever have cancer other than skin cancer"). A final sample of 394 cancer survivors were included: 59 participants (16.1%) were frail, 219 participants were pre-frail (59.8%), and 88 participants were non-frail (24.0%). The univariate analyses showed increasing age (OR 1.48; CI 1.29-1.72; p-value <.001), comorbidities (OR 1.43; CI 1.25-1.64; p-value <.001), depression (OR 1.27; CI 1.19-1.35; p-value <.001) and low mobility (OR 1.55; CI 1.37-1.78; p-value <.001) were associated with frailty. Participants with high self-rated (good/very good/ excellent) physical health (OR 0.18; CI 0.11-0.30; p < .001) and mental health (OR 0.27; CI 0.15-0.50; p < .001) were less likely to be frail. In a multivariate model, frailty was associated with age, self-rated physical health, depression, ability to perform activities of daily living, and mobility (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight the importance of incorporating geriatric assessment into cancer survivorship to prevent and delay the progression of frailty.

Geriatric assessment in older patients with a hematologic malignancy: a systematic review

The aim of this systematic review is to give an update of all currently available evidence on the relevance of a geriatric assessment in the treatment of older patients with hematologic malignancies. A systematic search in MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed to find studies in which a geriatric assessment was used to detect impaired geriatric domains or to address the association between geriatric assessment and survival or clinical outcome measures. The literature search included 4,629 reports, of which 54 publications from 44 studies were included. Seventy-three percent of the studies were published in the last 5 years. The median age of the patients was 73 years (range, 58-86) and 71% had a good World Health Organization (WHO) performance status. The median prevalence of geriatric impairments varied between 17% and 68%, even in patients with a good WHO performance status. Polypharmacy, nutritional status and instrumental activities of daily living were most frequently impaired. Whereas several geriatric impairments and frailty (based on a frailty screening tool or summarized geriatric assessment score) were predictive for a shorter overall survival, WHO performance status lost its predictive value in most studies. The association between geriatric impairments and treatment-related toxicity varied, with a trend towards a higher risk of (non-)hematologic toxicity in frail patients. During the follow-up, frailty seemed to be associated with treatment non-completion, especially when patients were malnourished. Patients with a good physical capacity had a shorter stay in hospital and a lower rate of hospitalization. Geriatric assessment, even in patients with a good performance status, can detect impaired geriatric domains and these impairments may be predictive of mortality. Moreover, geriatric impairments suggest a higher risk of treatment-related toxicity, treatment non-completion and use of healthcare services. A geriatric assessment should be considered before starting treatment in older patients with hematologic malignancies.

Cognitive function in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a cross-sectional study examining effects of disease and treatment

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) has not been objectively assessed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It is currently unclear how much of CRCI is attributable to disease, treatment, or both. We used CLL as a novel model to study the differential roles of disease and treatment in CRCI. One hundred and fifty CLL patients (100 treatment-naïve and 50 chemotherapy-treated) including 84 patients with higher-risk of CLL progression completed objective neuropsychological tests. Sociodemographic-adjusted linear regression models examined cognitive outcomes in relation to risk and treatment. Higher-risk patients recalled two fewer words on a memory task (β = -1.8, 95%CI -3.3,-0.3) and took 15 s longer on an executive function task (β = 15.4, 95%CI 3.1, 27.6) than lower-risk patients, independent of treatment. Treated patients reported greater cognitive difficulties than treatment-naive patients (β = -6.1, 95%CI -10.1, -2.2) but did not perform worse on objective measures. Higher-risk patients experienced impairments in executive function and memory suggesting that disease biology contributes to CRCI independent of treatment.

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

INTRODUCTION

Cognitive 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 METHODS

We 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.

RESULTS

Patient 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).

CONCLUSIONS

Our 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.

Cognitive decline in older long-term survivors from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: a multicenter cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To compare cognition in a group of older long-term survivors from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) and in a corresponding group of non-cancer controls of the same age. Functional status, polypharmacy and multimorbidity were also evaluated.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed in a population of 63 outpatient long-term survivors from NHL, aged 65 or more and 61 non-cancer controls. Socio-demographic, clinical and functional data were collected. Cognitive function was assessed through neuropsychological tests.

RESULTS

NHL survivors showed a slightly worse functional status than controls, they were affected by more chronic conditions (3.4 vs 2.3; p = .003) and were taking a higher number of medications (3.4 vs 2.3; p = .03). The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was not significantly different between the groups. NHL survivors performed worse than controls in executive functioning (Trail Making Test B-A 47.9 vs 32.1 p = .04, OR for Stroop test time over 75th percentile in survivors: 2.66; CI 95% 1.04-6.61; OR for Multiple Features Target Cancellation time over 75th percentile in survivors: 2.84; CI 95% 1.10-7.31). A small, statistically significant difference was also observed in verbal memory scores between the two groups. .

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that, compared with non-cancer controls, older survivors from NHL may have a lower cognitive performance, especially in the executive functioning and attention domains, regardless of multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Further evidence from larger samples is needed to confirm such findings and better characterize cognitive decline in NHL survivors.

Screening for cognitive impairment in older adults with hematological malignancies using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and neuropsychological testing

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of the current study is to describe the prevalence and profile of cognitive domains affected in older adults with hematological malignancies evaluated for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and neuropsychological tests. The secondary objective is to determine if a specific MoCA cut-off score would correlate with the identification of cognitive impairment detected by neuropsychological tests. This would facilitate interpretation of cognitive screening and referral of patients who would likely need further neuropsychological testing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-one patients 60 years and older who were evaluated for HCT were assessed using a battery of standardized neuropsychological tests and MoCA. We analyzed Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) comparing MoCA scores and four different neuropsychological test criteria for cognitive impairment.

RESULTS

The prevalence of cognitive impairment detected by neuropsychological tests was 53 to 70.6% using the criteria for patients with cancer by the International Cancer Cognition Task Force (ICCTF). The following cognitive domains were most affected: language, learning and memory, visuospatial skills, and executive function. MoCA is an appropriate screening test for cognitive impairment. Using the ICCTF criteria, 86 to 100% of patients are correctly classified as having significant cognitive impairment on neuropsychological tests using a cut-off score of 20 or less.

CONCLUSION

There is a high prevalence of cognitive impairment identified by neuropsychological tests in older patients with hematological malignancies evaluated for HCT. Identification of an appropriate MoCA cut-off score in this population is important to identify patients who would benefit from further assessment.

Ready for prime time: role for geriatric assessment to improve quality of care in hematology practice

Older adults represent the growing majority of patients diagnosed with hematologic disorders, yet they remain underrepresented on clinical trials. Older patients of the same chronologic age differ from one another with varying comorbidity and functional reserve. The concepts of frailty and resilience are important to patient-centered care and are patient and setting specific. The use of geriatric assessment to inform tailored decision making and management can personalize care for older adults with hematologic malignancies. This article will highlight available evidence to support the role of geriatric assessment measures to enhance quality of care for older adults diagnosed with hematologic malignancies.

Ready for prime time: role for geriatric assessment to improve quality of care in hematology practice

These 2 reviews respectively examine the value and utility of geriatric assessment (GA) tools and discuss the role of GA in the clinical management of patients with hematologic malignancies.

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.

[An impact of affective and cognitive impairment on the quality of life in patients with lymphoproliferative diseases]

AIM

To assess the neurological and cognitive status, identify the frequency of anxiety and depression in patients with lymphoproliferative diseases, and analyze their impact on the quality of life of patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty-eight patients, including 35 (60.34%) men and 23 (39.66%) women aged from 42 to 86 years, with a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or multiple myeloma (MM) were examined. Clinical and anamnestic methods, the Montreal scale of cognitive function assessment, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) were administered.

RESULTS

Cognitive impairment was observed in 44 (75.86%) patients. Thirty-two (56.14%) patients had no symptoms of depression, clinically diagnosed depression was observed only in 8 (14.04%). In 37 (64.91%) patients, there were no symptoms of anxiety, clinically diagnosed anxiety was revealed in 6 (10.53%). The average score on the FACT-G scale for quality of life was 62.72±23.29 with a maximum score of 108.

CONCLUSION

Cognitive impairment was observed in a large number of patients. Symptoms of depression were found in less than half of the patients, and manifestations of anxiety were found in one third. The presence of affective disorders, such as anxiety and depression, reduced quality of life evaluated in all its modules.

Neurophysiological evidence of impaired attention and working memory in untreated hematologic cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

Neuroimaging studies of hematologic cancer patients report altered activity in dorsal attention and central executive networks. To determine the consequences of these altered brain networks, we evaluated neurophysiological correlates of attention and working memory in hematologic cancer patients prior to initiating treatment.

METHODS

Hematologic cancer patients (19-80 years) were excluded for premorbid cognitive impairment, prior non-hematologic cancer diagnosis, and prior chemotherapy. Attention was manipulated by presenting an irrelevant spatial cue prior to visual search displays. Working memory was manipulated by presenting irrelevant distractors within memory displays. Electroencephalogram was recorded during task performance.

RESULTS

Patients (n = 28) and controls (n = 15) were balanced on age, gender, and education. Spatial cues evoked larger N2pc amplitudes, a correlate of spatial attention, in patients than controls (p < .05; Cohen's d > 0.7). Memory distractors evoked larger contralateral delay activity amplitudes, a correlate of working memory load, in patients (p = .028; Cohen's d = 1.1) but not controls (p = .64).

CONCLUSIONS

Prior to initiating treatment, hematologic cancer patients demonstrated poor control over spatial attention and working memory, consistent with altered dorsal attention and central executive network activity.

SIGNIFICANCE

Hematologic cancer patients may be at a higher risk for selecting, processing, and storing distracting information that would compete with more immediate goal-related behaviors.

A Practical Guide to Geriatric Syndromes in Older Adults With Cancer: A Focus on Falls, Cognition, Polypharmacy, and Depression

Geriatric syndromes are multifactorial conditions that are prevalent in older adults. Geriatric syndromes are believed to develop when an individual experiences accumulated impairments in multiple systems that compromise their compensatory ability. In older adults with cancer, the presence of a geriatric syndrome is common and may increase the complexity of cancer treatment. In addition, the physiologic stress of cancer and cancer treatment may precipitate or exacerbate geriatric syndromes. Common geriatric syndromes include falls, cognitive syndromes and delirium, depression, and polypharmacy. In the oncology setting, the presence of geriatric syndromes is relevant; falls and cognitive problems have been shown to be predictive of chemotherapy toxicity and overall survival. Polypharmacy and depression are more common in older adults with cancer compared with the general geriatric population. Multiple screening tools exist to identify falls, cognitive problems, polypharmacy, and depression in older adults and can be applied to the oncology setting to identify patients at risk. When recognized, several interventions exist that could be considered for this vulnerable population. We review the available evidence of four geriatric syndromes in the oncology setting, including clinical implications, validated screening tools, potential supportive care, and therapeutic interventions.

Pretreatment Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment-Mechanisms and Outlook

Cognitive changes are common in patients with active cancer and during its remission. This has largely been blamed on therapy-related toxicities and diagnosis-related stress, with little attention paid to the biological impact of cancer itself. A plethora of clinical studies demonstrates that cancer patients experience cognitive impairment during and after treatment. However, recent studies show that a significant portion of patients with non-central nervous system (CNS) tumors experience cognitive decline prior to treatment, suggesting a role for tumor-derived factors in modulating cognition and behavior. Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) negatively impacts a patient’s quality of life, reduces occupational and social functioning, and increases morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, patients with cancer cachexia frequently experience a stark neurocognitive decline, suggesting peripheral tumors exert an enduring toll on the brain during this chronic paraneoplastic syndrome. However, the scarcity of research on cognitive impairment in non-CNS cancers makes it difficult to isolate psychosocial, genetic, behavioral, and pathophysiological factors in CRCI. Furthermore, clinical models of CRCI are frequently confounded by complicated drug regimens that inherently affect neurocognitive processes. The severity of CRCI varies considerably amongst patients and highlights its multifactorial nature. Untangling the biological aspects of CRCI from genetic, psychosocial, and behavioral factors is non-trivial, yet vital in understanding the pathogenesis of CRCI and discovering means for therapeutic intervention. Recent evidence demonstrating the ability of peripheral tumors to alter CNS pathways in murine models is compelling, and it allows researchers to isolate the underlying biological mechanisms from the confounding psychosocial stressors found in the clinic. This review summarizes the state of the science of CRCI independent of treatment and focuses on biological mechanisms in which peripheral cancers modulate the CNS.

Neuronal autoantibodies associated with cognitive impairment in melanoma patients

BACKGROUND

Cancer-related cognitive impairment is an important complication in cancer patients, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Over the last decade, the field of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes has been dramatically changed by the discovery of new neuronal autoantibodies, some of them associated with cognitive impairment. We aimed to assess the prevalence of neuronal autoantibodies in melanoma patients and their association with neurological and cognitive dysfunction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 157 consecutive melanoma patients with a median age of 63 years were recruited at the Department of Dermatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and tested for neuronal autoantibodies. A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment was carried out in a selected subgroup of 84 patients after exclusion of patients with confounding factors for a cognitive dysfunction, including brain metastases, relevant medication, and neurological disorders.

RESULTS

Neuronal autoantibodies were found in 22.3% of melanoma patients. The most frequent antibodies were IgA/IgM anti-NMDAR antibodies. Applying the International Cognition and Cancer Task Force criteria, 36.9% had cognitive impairment, however, with a threefold higher odds in antibody-positive compared with antibody-negative patients (57.1% versus 30.2%, OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.1 to 8.6; P = 0.037). In patients with anti-NMDAR antibodies, this impairment increased with higher antibody titers (P = 0.007). Antibody-positive patients had a significantly impaired overall cognitive performance (z-value: -0.38 ± 0.69 versus 0.00 ± 0.56; P = 0.014) as well as significant impairments in tests of memory, attention, and executive function. In a multiple linear regression analysis, autoantibodies were an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment (B = -0.282; 95% CI: -0.492 to -0.071; P = 0.009). Autoantibody seropositivity was associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment and a history of autoimmune diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

A large number of melanoma patients harbor neuronal autoantibodies that are associated with significant cognitive impairment affecting memory, attention, and executive function. Neuronal autoantibodies might represent a pathophysiological factor and possible biomarker in the development of cancer-related cognitive impairment.

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.

Inflammatory biomarkers, geriatric assessment, and treatment outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia

OBJECTIVES

To investigate changes in inflammatory biomarkers during induction therapy for older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and their associations with geriatric assessment (GA) measures and outcomes.

METHODS

This was a single institution ancillary study to a prospective observational study (N = 20 consecutive adults aged ≥60 with newly diagnosed AML who received induction chemotherapy). Biomarkers (Interleukin-6 [IL-6], IL-6 soluble receptor [IL-6 sR], tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFα], TNFα soluble receptor 1 [TNFα sR1], interleukin-3 [IL-3], C-reactive protein [CRP]) were collected at start of induction, weekly for three weeks, and post-induction and were compared over time using paired t-tests. GA was administered at baseline and post-induction, and correlated with biomarker levels using Spearman correlations. Survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier and compared by categorized biomarker level using Wilcoxon tests.

RESULTS

Biomarker levels were stable during induction, except for CRP and IL-6 sR. Declines in objectively measured physical function [Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB); r = 0.71, p < 0.01] and increases in self-reported limitation in instrumental activities of daily living (r = 0.81, p < 0.01) were correlated with increased TNFα sR1. Declines in SPPB were correlated with increased CRP (r = -0.73, p < 0.01). Improvement in depression was correlated with increased IL-6 sR (r = -0.59 p = 0.02). Survival was shorter in those with baseline TNFα or CRP levels above the median (6.1 vs. 40.2 months and 5.5 vs. 27.6 months respectively, p = 0.04 for both).

CONCLUSION

Among older adults with AML, the relationships between TNFα sR1, CRP, and IL-6 sR with change in physical and emotional health during treatment warrants further investigation.

Distinct attentional function profiles in older adults receiving cancer chemotherapy

PURPOSE

While attentional function is an extremely important patient outcome for older adults, research on changes in function in this group is extremely limited. The purposes of this study were to: identify subgroups of older patients (i.e., latent growth classes) based on changes in their level of self-reported attentional function; determine which demographic and clinical characteristics were associated with subgroup membership; and determine if these subgroups differed on quality of life (QOL) outcomes.

METHODS

Older oncology outpatients (n = 365) who were assessed for changes in attention and working memory using the Attentional Function Index a total of six times over two cycles of chemotherapy (CTX). QOL was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study-Short Form 12 and the QOL-Patient Version Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify subgroups of older adults with distinct attentional function profiles.

RESULTS

Three distinct attentional functional profiles were identified (i.e., low, moderate, and high attentional function). Compared to the high class, older adults in the low and moderate attentional function classes had lower functional status scores, a worse comorbidity profile and were more likely to be diagnosed with depression. In addition, QOL scores followed an expected pattern (low class < moderate class < high attentional function class).

CONCLUSIONS

Three distinct attentional function profiles were identified among a relatively large sample of older adults undergoing CTX. The phenotypic characteristics associated with membership in the low and moderate latent classes can be used by clinicians to identify high risk patients.

Geriatric Assessment in Older Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The incidence of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) increases with age, but the outcomes for older adults with AML are poor due to underlying tumor biology, poor tolerance to aggressive treatment, and the physiologic changes of aging. Because of the underlying heterogeneity in health status, treatment decisions are difficult in this population. A geriatric assessment (GA) refers to the use of various validated tools to assess domains that are important in older adults including physical function, cognition, comorbidities, polypharmacy, social support, and nutritional status. In older patients with cancer, a GA can guide treatment decision-making, predict treatment toxicity, and guide supportive care interventions. Compared to solids tumors, there is a relative lack of studies evaluating the use of a GA in older patients with AML. In this review, we will discuss the principles, common domains, feasibility, and benefits of GA, with a focus on older patients with AML that includes practical applications for clinical management.

Advancements in the management of medically less-fit and older adults with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia

INTRODUCTION

Treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in older adults remains daunting. The unique biology often renders conventional chemotherapies less effective. Accurately predicting the toxicities of treatment is another unresolved challenge. Treatment planning thus requires a good knowledge of the current trial data and familiarity with clinical tools, including formal fitness and geriatric assessments. Both obstacles - disease biology and patient fitness - might be easier overcome with specific, AML cell-targeted agents rather than traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy. This may be the future of AML therapy, but it is not our current state.

AREAS COVERED

Herein, the authors appraise the data supporting a standard induction approach, including an outline of how to predict treatment-related mortality and a review of the most up-to-date methods of geriatric assessment. They also discuss treatment expectations with less-intense therapies and highlight novel agents in development. Finally, they provide a basic approach to choosing treatment intensity.

EXPERT OPINION

In an older and/or medically less-fit patient, treatment choice should begin with a thorough disease assessment, a formal evaluation of patient fitness and frailty. There should also be a clear communication with the patient and patient's family about the risks and anticipated benefits of either an intense or nonintense treatment approach.