Estimated global cancer incidence in the oldest adults in 2018 and projections to 2050

Analysis of hospitalization expenses and influencing factors for elderly cancer patients in a tertiary hospital in Dalian, China: a five‑year retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Because the proportion of elderly individuals and the incidence of cancer worldwide are continually increasing, medical costs for elderly inpatients with cancer are being significantly increasing, which puts tremendous financial pressure on their families and society. The current study described the actual direct medical costs of elderly inpatients with cancer and analyzed the influencing factors for the costs to provide advice on the prevention and control of the high medical costs of elderly patients with cancer.

METHOD

A retrospective descriptive analysis was performed on the hospitalization expense data of 11,399 elderly inpatients with cancer at a tier-3 hospital in Dalian between June 2016 and June 2020. The differences between different groups were analyzed using univariate analysis, and the influencing factors of hospitalization expenses were explored by multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

The hospitalization cost of elderly cancer patients showed a decreasing trend from 2016 to 2020. Specifically, the top 3 hospitalization costs were material costs, drug costs and surgery costs, which accounted for greater than 10% of all cancers according to the classification: colorectal (23.96%), lung (21.74%), breast (12.34%) and stomach cancer (12.07%). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that cancer type, surgery, year and length of stay (LOS) had a common impact on the four types of hospitalization costs (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

There were significant differences in the four types of hospitalization costs for elderly cancer patients according to the LOS, surgery, year and type of cancer. The study results suggest that the health administration department should enhance the supervision of hospital costs and elderly cancer patient treatment. Measures should be taken by relying on the hospital information system to strengthen the cost management of cancer diseases and departments, optimize the internal management system, shorten elderly cancer patients LOS, and reasonably control the costs of disease diagnosis, treatment and department operation to effectively reduce the economic burden of elderly cancer patients.

Epidemiology of Cancer in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

What are the prevalence, incidence and mortality rates of cancer among individuals aged 60 or older on a national, regional, and global scale? What factors affect differences in cancer survival between older and younger adults?

RECENT FINDINGS

The epidemiological literature on cancer in older adults, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and that focusing on the oldest adults, is expanding. These studies consistently show increasing global cancer incidence rates in older populations. Recent research also highlights a widening survival gap between middle-aged and older adults, with the stage at diagnosis being the primary driver. More research is needed to describe the cancer burden in older adults, especially focusing on the oldest population and LMICs, to better understand global healthcare challenges. Additionally, further exploring patient-related, clinical, and tumour-related factors which drive age-related survival differences could improve cancer outcomes in older adults.

Geriatric Assessment in the Era of Targeted and Immunotherapy

Cancer is a disease that mostly affects older adults and because of the aging of the population, the number of older adults diagnosed with cancer will increase significantly around the world. With increasing age, more older adults are living with frailty, and this may impact the tolerability of cancer treatments. International guidelines, such as the American Society for Clinical Oncology geriatric oncology guideline, recommend a geriatric assessment and management for all older adults with cancer to support the treatment decision-making process as well as develop a plan for supportive care interventions to support the older adults during cancer treatments. While there is clinical trial evidence to support a geriatric assessment and management for older adults receiving chemotherapy, there is less evidence to support a geriatric assessment for older adults starting immunotherapy. There are increasing numbers of new immunotherapies and targeted therapies available for older adults with cancer but often few older adults have been included in the clinical trials, leaving less evidence for clinicians to guide treatment decisions. In this current opinion, we review the current evidence on the use of a geriatric assessment and management in the context of immunotherapy and targeted therapy. We review how a geriatric assessment could support older adults making treatment decisions for immunotherapy, review how geriatric assessment parameters are linked with outcomes and provide guidance on how geriatric assessment can guide the supportive care plan during immunotherapy treatment.

Aging represses lung tumorigenesis and alters tumor suppression

Most cancers are diagnosed in persons over the age of sixty, but little is known about how age impacts tumorigenesis. While aging is accompanied by mutation accumulation - widely understood to contribute to cancer risk - it is also associated with numerous other cellular and molecular changes likely to impact tumorigenesis. Moreover, cancer incidence decreases in the oldest part of the population, suggesting that very old age may reduce carcinogenesis. Here we show that aging represses tumor initiation and growth in genetically engineered mouse models of human lung cancer. Moreover, aging dampens the impact of inactivating many, but not all, tumor suppressor genes with the impact of inactivating PTEN, a negative regulator of the PI3K/AKT pathway, weakened to a disproportionate extent. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed that neoplastic cells from tumors in old mice retain many age-related transcriptomic changes, showing that age has an enduring impact that persists through oncogenic transformation. Furthermore, the consequences of PTEN inactivation were strikingly age-dependent, with PTEN deficiency reducing signatures of aging in cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. Our findings suggest that the relationship between age and lung cancer incidence may reflect an integration of the competing effects of driver mutation accumulation and tumor suppressive effects of aging.

Homologous recombination deficiency should be tested for in patients with advanced stage high-grade serous ovarian cancer aged 70 years and over

OBJECTIVE

Due to limited data on homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) in older patients (≥ 70 years) with advanced stage high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC), we aimed to determine the rates of HRD at diagnosis in this age group.

METHODS

From the Phase 3 trial VELIA the frequency of HRD and BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants (PVs) was compared between younger (< 70 years) and older participants. HRD and somatic(s) BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants (PVs) were determined at diagnosis using Myriad myChoice® CDx and germline(g) BRCA1/2 PVs using Myriad BRACAnalysis CDx®. HRD was defined if a BRCA PV was present, or the genomic instability score (GIS) met threshold (GIS ≥ 33 & ≥ 42 analyzed).

RESULTS

Of 1140 participants, 21% were ≥ 70 years. In total, 26% (n = 298) had a BRCA1/2 PV and HRD, 29% (n = 329) were HRD/BRCA wild-type, 33% (n = 372) non-HRD, and 12% HR-status unknown (n = 141). HRD rates were higher in younger participants, 59% (n = 476/802), compared to 40% (n = 78/197) of older participants (GIS ≥ 42) [p < 0.001]; similar rates demonstrated with GIS ≥ 33, 66% vs 48% [p < 0.001]. gBRCA PVs observed in 24% younger vs 8% of older participants (p < 0.001); sBRCA in 8% vs 10% (p = 0.2559), and HRD (GIS ≥ 42) not due to gBRCA was 35% vs 31% (p = 0.36).

CONCLUSIONS

HRD frequency was similar in participants aged < 70 and ≥ 70 years (35% vs 31%) when the contribution of gBRCA was excluded; rates of sBRCA PVs were also similar (8% v 10%), thus underscoring the importance of HRD and BRCA testing at diagnosis in older patients with advanced HGSC given the therapeutic implications.

An Annual Symposium on Disparities in Milwaukee, WI, with a 2023 Focus on Older Adults with Cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cancer-related inequities are prevalent in Wisconsin, with lower survival rates for breast, colorectal, and lung cancer patients from marginalized communities. This manuscript describes the ongoing efforts at the Medical College of Wisconsin and potential pathways of community engagement to promote education and awareness in reducing inequities in cancer care.

RECENT FINDINGS

While some cancer inequities are related to aggressive disease biology, health-related social risks may be addressed through community-academic partnerships via an open dialogue between the community members and academic faculty. To develop potential pathways of community-academic partnerships, an annual Cancer Disparities Symposium concept evolved as a pragmatic and sustainable model in an interactive learning environment. In this manuscript, we describe the programmatic development and execution of the annual Cancer Disparities Symposium, followed by highlights from this year's meeting focused on geriatric oncology as discussed by the speakers.

Carvacrol and Thymol Hybrids: Potential Anticancer and Antibacterial Therapeutics

Cancer is ranked among lethal diseases globally, and the increasing number of cancer cases and deaths results from limited access to effective therapeutics. The use of plant-based medicine has been gaining interest from several researchers. Carvacrol and its isomeric compound, thymol, are plant-based extracts that possess several biological activities, such as antimalarial, anticancer, antifungal, and antibacterial. However, their efficacy is compromised by their poor bioavailability. Thus, medicinal scientists have explored the synthesis of hybrid compounds containing their pharmacophores to enhance their therapeutic efficacy and improve their bioavailability. Hence, this review is a comprehensive report on hybrid compounds containing carvacrol and its isomer, thymol, with potent anticancer and antibacterial agents reported between 2020 and 2024. Furthermore, their structural activity relationship (SAR) and recommended future strategies to further enhance their therapeutic effects will be discussed.

Does improved nurse staffing impact patient outcomes in cancer? Association between chronic diseases and mortality among older adult patients with lung cancer in Korea

BACKGROUND

Evidence regarding the impact of nurse staffing on the health outcomes of older adult patients with cancer is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of nurse staffing on long-term and short-term mortality in elderly lung cancer patients.

METHODS

This study analyzed data from 5,832 patients with lung cancer in Korea from 2008 to 2018. Nursing grade was considered to assess the effect of nursing staff on mortality in older adult patients with lung cancer. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the effect of the initial treatment hospital's nursing grade on one- and five-year mortality. Additionally, economic status and treatment type of patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

Approximately 31% of older adult patients with lung cancer died within one year post-diagnosis. Patients in hospitals with superior nursing grades (lower nurse-to-bed ratios) exhibited lower mortality rates. Hospitals with nursing grades 2 and 3 exhibited approximately 1.242-1.289 times higher mortality than grade 1 hospitals. Further, the lower the nursing grade (higher nurse-to-bed ratio), the higher the five-year mortality rate.

CONCLUSION

Both short- and long-term mortality rates for older adult patients with lung cancer increased at inferior nursing grades. Treatment in hospitals having inferior nursing grades, upon initial hospitalization, may yield better outcomes. This study provides valuable insight into the quality of adequate staffing to improve the quality of care for elderly cancer patients.

A review on advancements in the application of starch-based nanomaterials in biomedicine: Precision drug delivery and cancer therapy

The burgeoning field of starch-based nanomaterials in biomedical applications has perceived notable progressions, with a particular emphasis on their pivotal role in precision drug delivery and the inhibition of tumor growth. The complicated challenges in current biomedical research require innovative approaches for improved therapeutic outcomes, prompting an exploration into the possible of starch-based nanomaterials. The conceptualization of this review emerged from recognizing the need for a comprehensive examination of the structural attributes, versatile properties, and mechanisms underlying the efficiency of starch-based nanomaterials in inhibiting tumor growth and enabling targeted drug delivery. This review delineates the substantial growth in utilizing starch-based nanomaterials, elucidating their small size, high surface-volume ratio, and biocompatibility, predominantly emphasizing their possible to actively recognize cancer cells, deliver anticancer drugs, and combat tumors efficiently. The investigation of these nanomaterials encompasses to improving biocompatibility and targeting specific tissues, thereby contributing to the evolving landscape of precision medicine. The review accomplishes by highlighting the auspicious strategies and modern developments in the field, envisioning a future where starch-based nanomaterials play a transformative role in molecular nanomaterials, evolving biomedical sciences. The translation of these advancements into clinical applications holds the potential to revolutionize targeted drug delivery and expand therapeutic outcomes in the realm of precision medicine.

Venetoclax Combination Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Adolescents and Young Adult Patients

Over the past two decades, the prognosis in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has significantly improved. The standard intensive cytotoxic treatment approach for AYAs with AML, consisting of induction chemotherapy with anthracycline/cytarabine combination followed by consolidation chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation, has lately been shifting toward novel targeted therapies, mostly in the fields of clinical trials. One of the most recent advances in treating AML is the combination of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) inhibitor venetoclax with hypomethylating agents, which has been studied in elderly populations and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients over 75 years of age or patients excluded from intensive chemotherapy induction schemas due to comorbidities. Regarding the AYA population, venetoclax combination therapy could be a therapeutic option for patients with refractory/relapsed (R/R) AML, although data from real-world studies are currently limited. Venetoclax is frequently used by AYAs diagnosed with advanced hematologic malignancies, mainly acute lymphoblastic leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, as a salvage therapeutic option with considerable efficacy and safety. Herein, we aim to summarize the evidence obtained from clinical trials and observational studies on venetoclax use in AYAs with AML. Based on the available evidence, venetoclax is a safe and effective therapeutic option for R/R AML AYA patients. However, further research in larger cohorts is needed to confirm these data, establishing the benefits of a venetoclax-based regimen for this special population.

Exploring Unmet Needs in Prostate Cancer Care: A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study

Background and objective

Prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men worldwide, has significant impact on quality of life. Supportive care needs for those affected by prostate cancer are not well understood. This study aims to describe patient-reported unmet needs and explore supportive care priorities of men treated for prostate cancer.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was distributed to all men who had accessed prostate cancer services (including surgical, radiation, and medical oncology treatment modalities) at a tertiary hospital. The survey included qualitative questions exploring patient experience and a validated patient-reported outcome measure (Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form 34). Clinical information was collected. Analyses included, descriptive statistics, multivariate logistic regression models and qualitative analyses using a framework method.

Key findings and limitations

A total of 162 participants provided survey data. Domains about information, self-management, and sexual function were the highest ranked items with unmet needs. A qualitative analysis also identified "relationships", "information", and "the value of hindsight" constructs. Participants who identified three or more unmet needs expressed treatment regret (odds ratio 5.92, 1.98-22.23, p = 0.01).

Conclusions and clinical implications

Understanding the unmet needs of patients may better inform supportive care interventions that address what is important to patients. Importantly, participants valued relationships. There may be opportunities to better meet the needs of patients by improving access to information and self-management resources, particularly around sexuality. Further research is warranted.

Patient summary

Prostate cancer and its treatment impacts are not well understood. Prioritisation of relationships and improving access to information and self-management resources are important. Further attention to prostate cancer supportive care in clinical practice is needed.

Associations of frailty with symptoms, and HRQOL in older cancer survivors after cancer treatments: a systematic review and meta-analyses

PURPOSE

Frailty in older adult cancer survivors after cancer treatments is associated with various health outcomes. However, there is less agreement on how frailty affects symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the current literature on frailty, symptoms, and HRQOL, as well as the associations of frailty with these factors in older adult cancer survivors with chemotherapy.

METHODS

A review was conducted on peer-reviewed publications from 2008 to 2023, using seven electronic databases. Meta-analyses were performed using random effects models to determine pooled effect estimates for frailty prevalence, symptom severity, and HRQOL scores.

RESULTS

A total of 26 studies involving older cancer survivors were included in the analysis. Most of these studies were conducted in Western countries and focused on White survivors, particularly those with breast cancer. The mean pooled prevalence of frailty was 43.5%. Among frail survivors, the most common symptoms reported after cancer treatments were pain (36.4%), neuropathy (34.1%), and fatigue (21.3%). Frailty was associated with higher pooled mean symptom severity (B = 1.23, p = 0.046) and lower functional HRQOL (B = - 0.31, p = 0.051, with marginal significance) after cancer treatments.

CONCLUSION

Frail older cancer survivors are at high risk of adverse symptoms and poor HRQOL after cancer treatment. Further research on screening for frailty is needed to prevent older adults from developing worse symptoms burden and maintain HRQOL. It is also essential to understand the mechanisms of the associations between frailty, symptoms and HRQOL in this population.

Oncotype DX in Breast Cancer Management: Insights and Outcomes From the United Arab Emirates

Introduction Breast cancer remains the most significant cancer affecting women worldwide, with an increasing incidence, especially in developing regions. The introduction of genomic tests like Oncotype DX has revolutionized personalized treatment, allowing for more tailored approaches to therapy. This study focuses on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, aiming to assess the predictive accuracy of the Oncotype DX test in categorizing patients based on recurrence risk. Materials and methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 95 breast cancer patients diagnosed at Tawam Hospital between 2013 and 2017 who underwent Oncotype DX testing. Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment details, and Oncotype DX scores were collected. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, with the chi-square goodness of fit test assessing the model's adequacy. Results The cohort's age range was 27-71 years, with a mean age of 50, indicating a significant concentration of cases in the early post-menopausal period. The Oncotype DX analysis classified 55 patients (57.9%) as low risk, 29 (30.5%) as medium risk, and 11 (11.6%) as high risk of recurrence. The majority, 73 patients (76.8%), did not receive chemotherapy, highlighting the test's impact on treatment decisions. The survival analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in recurrence rates across the Oncotype DX risk categories (p = 0.268231). Conclusion The Oncotype DX test provides a valuable genomic approach to categorizing breast cancer patients by recurrence risk in the UAE. While the test influences treatment decisions, particularly the use of chemotherapy, this study did not find a significant correlation between Oncotype DX risk categories and actual recurrence events. These findings underscore the need for further research to optimize the use of genomic testing in the UAE's diverse patient population and enhance personalized treatment strategies in breast cancer management.

Hospital-based palliative care referrals: determinants in older adults with cancer

OBJECTIVES

Early palliative care improves the quality of life of older patients with cancer. This work aimed to analyse the effect of sociodemographic, geriatric, and tumour-related determinants on hospital-based palliative care (HPC) referral in older patients with cancer, taking into account competing risk of death.

METHODS

Older adults with diagnosed cancer from 2014 to 2018 according to the general cancer registry of Gironde (French department) were identified in three population-based cohorts on ageing (PAQUID, 3C - Three City, AMI). Cause-specific Cox models focused on 10 usual determinants in geriatric oncology and palliative care: age, gender, living alone, place of residency, tumour prognosis, activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental-ADL (IADL) limitations, cognitive impairment, depressive disorders, and polypharmacy.

RESULTS

131 patients with incident cancer (mean age: 86.2 years, men: 62.6%, poor cancer prognosis: 32.8%) were included, HPC occurring for 26 of them. Unfavourable cancer prognosis was a key determinant for HPC referral (HR 7.02, 95% CI 2.86 to 17.23). An altered IADL score was associated with precocious (first year) referral (HR 3.21, 95% CI 1.20 to 8.64, respectively). Women had a higher rate immediately (first week) after diagnosis (HR 8.64, 95% CI 1.27 to 87.27).

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer prognosis, functional decline and gender are independent factors of HPC referral in older patients with cancer. These findings may help for a better anticipation of the healthcare pathway.

Potentially burdensome care at the end-of-life for cancer decedents: a retrospective population-wide study

BACKGROUND

Variation persists in the quality of end-of-life-care (EOLC) for people with cancer. This study aims to describe the characteristics of, and examine factors associated with, indicators of potentially burdensome care provided in hospital, and use of hospital services in the last 12 months of life for people who had a death from cancer.

METHOD

A population-based retrospective cohort study of people aged ≥ 20 years who died with a cancer-related cause of death during 2014-2019 in New South Wales, Australia using linked hospital, cancer registry and mortality records. Ten indicators of potentially burdensome care were examined. Multinominal logistic regression examined predictors of a composite measure of potentially burdensome care, consisting of > 1 ED presentation or > 1 hospital admission or ≥ 1 ICU admission within 30 days of death, or died in acute care.

RESULTS

Of the 80,005 cancer-related deaths, 86.9% were hospitalised in the 12 months prior to death. Fifteen percent had > 1 ED presentation, 9.9% had > 1 hospital admission, 8.6% spent ≥ 14 days in hospital, 3.6% had ≥ 1 intensive care unit admission, and 1.2% received mechanical ventilation on ≥ 1 occasion in the last 30 days of life. Seventeen percent died in acute care. The potentially burdensome care composite measure identified 20.0% had 1 indicator, and 10.9% had ≥ 2 indicators of potentially burdensome care. Compared to having no indicators of potentially burdensome care, people who smoked, lived in rural areas, were most socially economically disadvantaged, and had their last admission in a private hospital were more likely to experience potentially burdensome care. Older people (≥ 55 years), females, people with 1 or ≥ 2 Charlson comorbidities, people with neurological cancers, and people who died in 2018-2019 were less likely to experience potentially burdensome care. Compared to people with head and neck cancer, people with all cancer types (except breast and neurological) were more likely to experience ≥ 2 indicators of potentially burdensome care versus none.

CONCLUSION

This study shows the challenge of delivering health services at end-of-life. Opportunities to address potentially burdensome EOLC could involve taking a person-centric approach to integrate oncology and palliative care around individual needs and preferences.

Clinical impact and cost-saving analysis of a comprehensive pharmaceutical care intervention in older patients with cancer

BACKGROUND

Hospital admission and discharge are at high risk of drug-related problems (DRPs) in older patients with cancer. This study aimed to assess the clinical and economic impact of a comprehensive pharmaceutical care intervention (RECAP) to optimize drug therapy in patients with cancer ≥75 years admitted to oncology or geriatric wards.

METHOD

RECAP intervention was defined as follows: at admission and discharge, hospital pharmacists conducted comprehensive medication reconciliation and review, identified relevant DRPs and provided optimization recommendations to prescribers; at discharge, pharmacists also provided patient education and shared information with primary care providers. The impact of the intervention was assessed by the rate of implementation of recommendations by the prescribers and the evolution of polypharmacy rate; a peer review of the clinical significance of DRPs was performed by an expert panel of geriatric oncologists and pharmacists. A cost saving analysis compared cost avoided through resolution of DRPs to cost of pharmacist's time.

RESULTS

From January 2019 and August 2020, 201 patients were included (median age 80 [75-97] years), 68.7% with solid tumors. DRPs requiring optimization were identified in 70.9% of patients at admission (mean 1.7 DRP/patient) and 47.7% at discharge (0.9 DRP/patient). Most pharmacist recommendations (70.8%) were followed by prescribers, allowing the correction of 1.2 DRP/patient at admission and 0.7 DRP/patient at discharge. Half of resolved DRPs were rated as clinically significant. However, polypharmacy rate was not reduced at discharge. Cost comparison showed $7.2 avoided for $1 invested, with an estimated total net benefit of $354,822 (mean $1766 per patient).

CONCLUSIONS

The RECAP model significantly reduces DRPs in hospitalized older patients with cancer. The model was cost saving, confirming the value of implementing it in routine practice.

Salvage Radiotherapy for Relapsed Prostate Cancer after Radical Prostatectomy Is Associated with Normal Life Expectancy

In patients with prostate cancer (PCa), salvage radiotherapy (SRT) for biochemical progression (BP) after radical prostatectomy (RP) improves PCa-specific survival. However, no prospective randomized trials have compared the effect of SRT with untreated patients. In this analysis of 151 patients who received SRT for post-RP BP, we compared their overall survival (OS) with virtual, age-matched controls (n = 151,000) retrieved from government life tables. We also investigated the risk factors associated with BP and OS and compared the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling times (DTs) before and after SRT for patients with BP. The median follow-up was 9.3 years for BP and 17.4 years for OS. The risk factors significantly affecting BP were Gleason score (p < 0.001), pre-SRT PSA (p = 0.003), and negative surgical margins (p = 0.003). None of these risk factors were associated with OS. In 93 patients with BP after SRT, the median PSADT was significantly prolonged compared with pre-SRT values (3.7 vs. 8.3 months, p < 0.001). The OS did not differ between patients and controls (p = 0.112), and life expectancy was similar, likely due to the survival benefit of SRT. The prolonged PSADT after SRT further supports the beneficial role of SRT in this patient population. However, subsequent treatments were not systematically recorded, which may have affected the results.

The role of open innovation in addressing resource constraints in healthcare: a systematic literature review

PURPOSE

The resource crisis in healthcare can be alleviated by engaging external stakeholders and resources in healthcare delivery. The authors use value and open innovation concepts to understand what motivates the stakeholders to join the healthcare innovation ecosystem and what value such an ecosystem brings to healthcare.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH

A systematic literature review following the PRISMA framework method was applied to reach the research objective. Out of a total of 509 identified articles published till 2021, 25 were selected as relevant for this review.

FINDINGS

Six categories of actors were identified, including innovation intermediaries, which were so far neglected in the healthcare innovation literature. Furthermore, patients, healthcare providers, innovation suppliers, investors and influencers were described. The authors also distinguished internal and external stakeholders. The authors show why and how open innovation projects contribute to involving external stakeholders and resources in healthcare delivery by contributing to patient autonomy, relationship building, knowledge transfer, improving collaborative mindset and culture, advancing know-how and bringing additional finances.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE

This article is the first one to systematically describe the value of open innovation in healthcare. The authors challenge the positivist approach in value presented by value-based healthcare. The authors show how openness contributes to addressing the resource crisis by involving new stakeholders and resources in the care delivery process.

The cancer burden in the oldest-old: Increasing numbers and disparities-A nationwide study in the Netherlands, 1990 to 2019

Adults aged ≥80 years (the oldest-old) comprise the fastest growing age group in Western populations. Yet little is known about their cancer burden. In this nationwide study, we assessed their trends in incidence, treatment and survival over a 30-year period, and predicted their future cancer incidence. All 2 468 695 incident cancer cases during 1990 to 2019 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry, of whom 386 611 were diagnosed in the oldest-old (16%). The incidence of the oldest-old was predicted until 2032. Net and overall survival (OS) were calculated. Patients were divided into four age groups (<80, 80-84, 85-89 and ≥90 years). The incidence of the oldest-old doubled between 1990 and 2019 and is expected to grow annually with 5% up to 2032. In virtually all cancers the share of oldest-old patients grew, but declined for prostate cancer (25% in 1990-1994 vs 13% in 2015-2019). The proportion of undetermined disease stage increased with age in most cancers. The application of systemic therapy increased, albeit less pronounced in the oldest-old than their younger counterparts (1990 vs 2019: 12%-34%, 3%-15%, 2%-7% and 1%-3% in <80, 80-84, 85-89 and ≥90 years old). Five-year OS of the oldest-old patients increased by 7 percentage points (to 26%) between 1990 to 1994 and 2015 to 2019 compared to 19 percentage points (to 63%) in <80 years old. The oldest-old cancer patients are a rapidly growing group who benefitted less from improvements in cancer treatment than younger patients, reflecting the multiple challenges faced in the care of the oldest-old.

Laparoscopic versus open distal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer in elderly patients: a propensity-score matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Scarce research has reported the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy in elderly patients. This retrospective study aimed to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic and open distal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer in elderly patients.

METHODS

A total of 303 elderly patients who underwent distal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer from June 2017 to June 2021 were enrolled. Variables used to calculate propensity score matching included sex, age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists, history of diabetes, and history of hypertension. The statistical significance of continuous variables was tested using an independent sample t test. chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used for categorical variables. Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test were used for the evaluation of 3-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival.

RESULTS

After performing 1:1 propensity score matching, 248 patients were included for analysis (laparoscopic = 124, open = 124). Compared with the open group, the laparoscopic group showed significant advantages in estimated blood loss (P < 0.001), pain scale on the first postoperative day (P = 0.002), time to first flatus (P = 0.004), time to first liquid diet (P = 0.005), hospital stays (P < 0.001), and total complications (P = 0.011), but devoted much more operation time (P < 0.001). No statistical difference was observed between the two groups in 3-year recurrence-free survival (P = 0.315) or overall survival (P = 0.159).

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis demonstrated that laparoscopic surgery had the advantages of less intraoperative blood loss, fewer postoperative complications, and faster postoperative recovery in distal gastrectomy for advanced gastric, indicating that laparoscopic distal gastrectomy is safe and effective for treating elderly patients with distal gastric cancer.

The current status of clinical trials on cancer and age disparities among the most common cancer trial participants

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate the status of all cancer clinical trials and characterize clinical trial enrollment disparities in the most common cancer.

METHODS

Clinical trial data were extracted from ClinicalTrials.gov website. All searched clinical trials were included in the current status analysis of clinical trials on cancer. Among all the clinical trials, only trials addressing single disease sites of breast, prostate, colorectal, or lung (BPCRL) cancer were included in the age disparities analysis. The difference in median age (DMA) between the trial participant median age and the population-based disease-site-specific median age was calculated for each trial.

RESULTS

A total of 7747 clinical trials were included in the current status analysis of clinical trials on cancer. The number of registered trials had been increasing from 2008 to 2021 (AAPC = 50.60, 95% CI 36.60, 66.00, P < 0.05). Of the 7747 trials, 1.50% (116) of the studies were clinical trials for the elderly aged 60 years or older. 322 trials were included in the age disparities analysis. For all trials, the median DMA was - 8.15 years (P25, P75, - 10.83 to - 2.98 years, P < 0.001). The median DMA were - 9.55 years (P25, P75, - 11.63 to - 7.11 years), - 7.10 years (P25, P75, - 9.80 to - 5.70 years), - 9.75 years (P25, P75, - 11.93 to - 7.35 years), 3.50 years (P25, P75, 0.60 to 4.55 years), respectively, for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer.

CONCLUSION

The numbers of registered clinical trials show an upward trend. Age disparities between trial participants and diagnosed disease population are present in BPCRL cancer trials and appear to be increasing over time. Equitable participation in clinical trials on the basis of age is crucial for advancing medical knowledge and evaluating the safety and efficacy of new treatments that are generalizable to aging populations.

Dietary restriction rescues 5-fluorouracil-induced lethal intestinal toxicity in old mice by blocking translocation of opportunistic pathogens

Chemotherapy remains a major treatment for malignant tumors, yet the application of standard dose intensity chemotherapy is limited due to the side effects of cytotoxic drugs, especially in old populations. The underlying mechanisms of cytotoxicity and strategies to increase the safety and tolerance of chemotherapy remain to be explored. Using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a cornerstone chemotherapeutic drug, we demonstrate that the main cause of death in ad libitum (AL) fed mice after 5-FU chemotherapy was infection caused by translocation of intestinal opportunistic pathogens. We show that these opportunistic pathogens greatly increase in the intestine after chemotherapy, which was closely related to loss of intestinal lysozyme. Of note, two weeks of dietary restriction (DR) prior to chemotherapy significantly protected the loss of lysozyme and increased the content of the beneficial Lactobacillus genera, resulting in a substantial inhibition of intestinal opportunistic pathogens and their translocation. The rescue effect of DR could be mimicked by Lysozyme or Lactobacillus gavage. Our study provides the first evidence that DR achieved a comprehensive protection of the intestinal physical, biological and chemical barriers, which significantly improved the overall survival of 5-FU-treated mice. Importantly, the above findings were more prominent in old mice. Furthermore, we show that patients over 65 years old have enriched opportunistic pathogens in their gut microbiota, especially after 5-FU based chemotherapy. Our study reveals important mechanisms for the poor chemotherapy tolerance of the elderly population, which can be significantly improved by short-term DR. This study generates new insights into methods for improving the chemotherapeutic prognosis by increasing the chemotherapy tolerance and safety of patients with malignant tumors.

Immunotherapy in Elderly Patients-Single-Center Experience

Cancer management faces a substantial challenge posed by the aging demographic. Aging is marked by accumulated DNA damage, and this phenomenon is implicated in the process of tumorigenesis. The concept of immunosenescence, postulated to manifest in elderly individuals, is defined by an age-related decline in T cells and a simultaneous elevation in proinflammatory status, leading to a diminished efficacy in response to immunotherapy. Notably, despite the rising prevalence of cancer in the elderly population, their underrepresentation in clinical trials persists. This underscores the unmet need to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cancer treatment in the elderly. This retrospective, single-center cohort study aimed to assess and evaluate the effectiveness and safety of immunotherapy in patients compared to younger individuals with metastatic solid tumors receiving ICI. A total of 220 patients were included, mostly males, with a median age of 64. The proportion of patients ≥ 65 years old was 56.5%. The use of ICI showed no significant differences concerning overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among age groups across different cancer types (melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), renal, and bladder cancer; p = 0.388). Concerning the response to treatment in renal cancer patients, a significant difference was observed (p = 0.041), suggesting a potential negative impact of age on the treatment response. In patients that presented immune-related adverse events (irAEs), oral corticosteroid therapy was marginally associated (p = 0.059) with the elderly population. When evaluating the NSCLC population alone (n = 131, 59.5%), our study revealed a strong association between the development of irAEs, patients' PFS and OS, and the duration of ICI treatment, but not directly correlated with age. The NSCLC elderly population presented a marginally greater number of irAEs, although without statistical significance (p = 0.86). ICI maintained efficacy and safety in elderly patients, challenging the notion that age alone should determine treatment decisions. The findings emphasize the necessity of a comprehensive geriatric assessment rather than relying solely on chronological age for personalized cancer treatment in the elderly population. Further prospective studies are needed to better understand immune responses in older adults and derive predictive biomarkers for cancer treatment.

Factors Associated with 1-Year Mortality in Elderly Patients (Age ≥ 80 Years) with Cancer Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The number of elderly patients undergoing major abdominal surgery is increasing, but the factors affecting their postoperative outcomes remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with 1-year mortality among elderly patients (age ≥ 80 years) with cancer undergoing major abdominal surgery.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted from March 2009 to December 2020. The study enrolled 378 patients 80 years old or older who underwent major abdominal surgery. The main outcome was 1-year mortality, and the factors associated with mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 378 patients, 92 died at 1 year (24.3%), whereas the 30-day mortality rate was 4% (n = 15). In the multivariate analysis, the factors independently associated with 1-year mortality were preoperative Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) score higher than 1 (odds ratio [OR], 3.189; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.595-6.377; p = 0.001), preoperative weight loss greater than 3 kg (OR, 2.145; 95% CI, 1.044-4.404; p = 0.038), use of an intraoperative vasopressor (OR, 3.090; 95% CI, 1.188-8.042; p = 0.021), and postoperative red blood cell units (OR, 1.212; 95% CI, 1.045-1.405; p = 0.011). Survival was associated with perioperative management according to an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol (OR, 0.370; 95% CI, 0.160-0.854; p = 0.006) and supramesocolic surgery (OR, 0.371; 95% CI, 0.158-0.871; p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

The study identified several factors associated with an encouraging 1-year mortality rate in this setting. These results highlight the need for identification of suitable targets to optimize pre-, intra-, and postoperative management in order to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Long-term trend of future Cancer onset: A model-based prediction of Cancer incidence and onset age by region and gender

OBJECTIVES

This study provided estimates of cancer incidence rate and onset age by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) regions and gender from 2020 to 2040, aiming to clarify the long-term patterns of future cancer onset.

METHOD

Based on the incidence data from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) 2019 study, we constructed the Bayesian age-period-cohort model to calculate the age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) of cancers from 2020 to 2040. Using the average annual percentage change (AAPC) to quantify the trends of ASIR and the onset age. In addition, the incidences in 2019 were fixed to distinguish the age onset changes caused by demographic and incidence from 2020 to 2040.

RESULTS

Globally, two-thirds of cancers have escalating trends of incidence rate, and the proportion of cancer weighted average onset age above 60 years old will grow from 62% to 76% between 2020 and 2040. In five SDI regions, the proportion of weighted average onset age above 60 years old will rise above 10% in the next 20 years and increase sequentially with the rise of the SDI level. Preclude sex-specific cancers, the onset age is younger in men than in women in 2040. Rule out the influence of changing demographics, half of cancer's morbidity has a youth-oriented tendency globally, which is concentrated in hormone-related and digestive tract cancer.

CONCLUSION

From 2020 to 2040, the incidence and onset age changes demonstrate marked geographic and gender variations in the cancer spectrum. Cancer incidence and onset age are predicted to continuously increase worldwide in the future.

Experiences of the older spousal caregivers of patients with cancer during palliative chemotherapy: a qualitative descriptive study

BACKGROUND

Several studies have characterized the experiences of family members caring for patients undergoing chemotherapy; however, information about the experiences of older spousal caregivers with intensive caregiving burdens is unclear. Recently, more older patients have been diagnosed with cancer due to the aging population worldwide. Therefore, this study evaluated the patterns in the experiences of older spousal caregivers of patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy for advanced cancer.

METHODS

Qualitative research using semi-structured interviews was used in this study involving 10 older spousal caregivers of patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy at a hospital providing advanced cancer care in Japan. The data obtained were analyzed qualitatively and inductively using thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke.

RESULTS

Four themes were identified from the narratives of the participants in this study. The first theme was "getting used to living with the disease," indicating that the older spouses gradually became accustomed to living with the patient through continued caregiving. The second theme was "deepening view of life and death," indicating that the older spouses' views of life and death were deepened by being confronted with patients' quality of life until death. The third theme was "anxious about the future," indicating the fear regarding the patient's progressive diseases and anxiety pertaining to continuing care for the patient while dealing with their health problems. The final theme was "desire for a better rest of life," indicating that the couple felt their bond was strengthened through caregiving and wishes to live well for the rest of their lives.

CONCLUSIONS

The patterns in the experience of older spousal caregivers caring for patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy indicated an aspect of rebuilding their lives as they became accustomed to caregiving, while strengthening their marital bond. The caregiving process involved a mix of emotions, including anxiety about the spousal caregiver's health problems worsening. However, the caregivers recognized the value of their remaining time. Therefore, they had deep concern for the patient's comfort, concealing their feelings so that the patient would feel comfortable. This study can contribute to understanding the challenges faced and support needed by older spousal caregivers.

Test, evidence, transition projects in Scotland: developing the evidence needed for transition of effective interventions in cancer care from innovation into mainstream practice

BACKGROUND

A robust evidence base is required to assist healthcare commissioners and providers in selecting effective and sustainable approaches to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment. Such evidence can be difficult to build, given the fast-paced and highly pressured nature of healthcare delivery, the absence of incentives, and the presence of barriers in conducting pragmatic yet robust research evaluations. Cancer Research UK (CRUK) has played an active part in building the evidence base through its funding of programmes to identify, evaluate and scale-up innovative approaches across the UK. The aim of this paper is to describe and explain the research design and intended approach and activities for two cancer services improvement projects in Scotland funded by CRUK.

METHODS

A hybrid effectiveness-implementation study design will assess both the efficiency of the new pathways and their implementation strategies, with the aim of generating knowledge for scale-up. A range of implementation, service and clinical outcomes will be assessed as determined by the projects' Theories of Change (ToCs). A naturalistic case study approach will enable in-depth exploration of context and process, and the collection and synthesis of data from multiple sources including routine datasets, patient and staff surveys, in-depth interviews and observational and other data. The evaluations are informed throughout by a patient/public representatives' group, and by small group discussions with volunteer cancer patients.

DISCUSSION

Our approach has been designed to provide a holistic understanding of how (well) the improvement projects work (in relation to their anticipated outcomes), and how they interact with their wider contexts. The evaluations will help identify barriers, facilitators, and unanticipated consequences that can impact scalability, sustainability and spread. By opting for a pragmatic, participatory evaluation research design, we hope to inform strategies for scaling up successful innovations while addressing challenges in a targeted manner.

Implementing the 4 Ms in a geriatric oncology clinic to create age friendly cancer care

BACKGROUND

Over 50 % of cancers occur in people aged 70 and older, and 60 % of all cancer deaths occur in this population. Cancer care for the older adult is complex related to comorbidities, age related changes and various social needs. They also may experience cognitive and physical limitations during their cancer journey. At Moffitt Cancer Center, 49 % of patients seen in clinic, in hospital, in diagnostic and procedure areas are 65 years of age and over. The purpose of this quality project was to craft age friendly cancer care utilizing the 4 Ms framework as a roadmap to enterprise spread at an NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

METHODS

Each new patient to the Senior Adult Oncology Program receives geriatric screening with SAOP-3, Timed up and Go and asked, "what matters most". The SAOP-3 Geriatric screening tool includes domains for screening depression and cognitive impairment. High risk medications prompt a pharmacy consult for deprescribing opportunities.

RESULTS

Since becoming recognized as an AFHS, the 4 M's have been implemented in all inpatient units at 2 hospitals and continue to spread to ambulatory clinics on 4 outpatient sites. Further enterprise spread totals over 5500 geriatric oncology patients were screened utilizing the SAOP-3 screening tool.

Nurse-led interventions among older adults affected by cancer: An integrative review

Objective

Aging can introduce significant changes in health, cognition, function, social status, and emotional status among older adults affected by cancer. Little is known about how existing nurse-led interventions address the needs of older adults. The objective was to identify existing nurse-led interventions among older adults to optimize recovery and survivorship needs.

Methods

A integrative systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 Guidelines. Electronic databases (APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases) were searched using key search terms. Articles were assessed for inclusion according to a pre-determined eligibility criterion. Data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted. Findings were integrated into a narrative synthesis.

Results

Twenty-one studies were included, and a total of 4253 participants were represented. There were a range of study designs: quantitative (n ​= ​10), randomised controlled trials (n ​= ​6), mixed methods studies (n ​= ​3), qualitative (n ​= ​1), and a non-randomized controlled study (n ​= ​1). Most participants had prostate cancer, with some representation in colorectal, lung, head and neck, renal, esophageal, and mixed cancer patient populations.

Conclusions

This review shows a lack of evidence on the inclusion of geriatric assessments for older people with cancer within existing nurse-led interventions. Further research is needed to test nurse-led interventions with the inclusion of geriatric assessments and their contribution to the multidisciplinary team across the cancer care continuum for various cancer patient populations.

Biological and clinical implications of early-onset cancers: A unique subtype

In recent years, the incidence of cancers is continuously increasing in young adults. Early-onset cancer (EOC) is usually defined as patients with cancers under the age of 50, and may represent a unique subgroup due to its special disease features. Overall, EOCs often initiate at a young age, present as a better physical performance but high degree of malignancy. EOCs also share common epidemiological and hereditary risk factors. In this review, we discuss several representative EOCs which were well studied previously. By revealing their clinical and molecular similarities and differences, we consider the group of EOCs as a unique subtype compared to ordinary cancers. In consideration of EOC as a rising threat to human health, more researches on molecular mechanisms, and large-scale, prospective clinical trials should be carried out to further translate into improved outcomes.

Enhancing collaboration between geriatricians, oncologists, and pharmacists to optimize medication therapy in older adults with cancer: A position paper from SOFOG-SFPO

Optimizing anticancer treatment and medication therapy in older patients with cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach, with a strong collaboration between geriatricians, oncologists and pharmacists. While all patients can benefit, some clinical situations seem to be high-priority. Careful attention should be given to patients with cardiovascular comorbidities and/or diabetes, which are prone to decompensate during anticancer treatment and often involve multiple medications. Another great concern is the risk of falls, closely related to polypharmacy, hence the need for a comprehensive medication review. Managing the pharmacological treatment of depression is also challenging and require shared expertise. Finally, pharmacists can prove valuable in situations of adherence difficulties or use of complementary medicines. Collaborative practice should begin at initiation of anticancer treatment and continue throughout the care pathway, as continuous reassessment is essential. Although the integration of pharmacists in multidisciplinary teams is often challenged by funding, collaborative should still be strongly encouraged.

Geriatric Oncology as an Unmet Workforce Training Need in the United Kingdom-A Narrative Review by the British Oncology Network for Undergraduate Societies (BONUS) and the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) UK Country Group

Cancer is a disease associated with ageing. Managing cancer in older adults may prove challenging owing to pre-existing frailty, comorbidity, and wider holistic needs, as well as the unclear benefits and harms of standard treatment options. With the ongoing advances in oncology and the increasing complexity of treating older adults with cancer, the geriatric oncology field must be a priority for healthcare systems in education, research, and clinical practice. However, geriatric oncology is currently not formally taught in undergraduate education or postgraduate training programmes in the United Kingdom (UK). In this commentary, we outline the landscape of geriatric oncology undergraduate education and postgraduate training for UK doctors. We highlight current challenges and opportunities and provide practical recommendations for better preparing the medical workforce to meet the needs of the growing population of older adults with cancer. This includes key outcomes to be considered for inclusion within undergraduate and postgraduate curricula.

Global cluster analysis and network visualization in organoids in cancer research: a scientometric mapping from 1991 to 2021

Objective

In the last three decades, there has been a surge in research on cancer organoids using 3D culture technologies, which has resulted in the development of physiological human cancer models. This study aims to provide an overview of the global trends and frontiers in research on cancer organoids.

Methods

A total of 3189 publications on organoids in cancer research from 1991 to 2021 were collected from the Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCIE) of Web of Science (WoS). Bibliometric methods such as the R package "Bibliometrix," Citespace, and VOS viewer software were employed to investigate and visualize bibliographic coupling, co-citation, co-authorship, and co-occurrence trends, as well as publication trends in the field of organoids in cancer research.

Results

From 1991 to 2021, there has been a significant increase in publications on cancer organoids, with most articles being from North America, Eastern Asia, and Western Europe. The USA had the highest number of publications, citations, prolific authors, and research funding globally. Cancers was the journal with the most publications, while Nature had the best total link strength. Harvard University were the most contributive institutions. The global research in this field could be classified into five clusters: chemotherapy study, organoids for drug screening, different models, molecular mechanism study, and organoid construction. These areas are expected to remain hotspots for future research.

Conclusions

The number of publications on organoids in cancer research is expected to increase based on current global trends.

[Clinical and histopathological characteristics of malignant colon tumors by location]

Background

The colon has two different embryological origins, which is why it can be divided into right and left with different characteristics each one; therefore, neoplastic lesions have a different clinical picture and are also associated with different pathologies.

Objective

To describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics of malignant colon tumors acording to their location.

Material and methods

Descriptive, retrospective study with 94 patients diagnosed with colon cancer. Descriptive statistics were performed with the calculation of frequencies and percentages, and chi-squared tests were calculated.

Results

Mean age was 61.3 years, 49 (52.1%) were women; 53 (56.4%) were left-sided and 41 (43.6%) right-sided. The main symptom was hematochezia in 32 (60.4%), in patients with left cancer; and diarrhea in 20 (48.8%), in patients with right-sided colon cancer. The presentation of stage I tumors and polyps, p = 0.044 and p = 0.043, respectively, was more frequent on the right side compared to the left side; in the left, hematochezia (p = 0.001), narrow stools(p = 0.05), and a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (p= 0.036) were more frequent compared to the opposite site.

Conclusions

Stage I and the presence of polyps were more frequent in right-sided cancer compared to left-sided cancer; T2DM, as well as hematochezia and narrow stools were more associated with the left side compared to the right side.

Cancer incidence estimates in adults aged 60 years and older living in low-and-middle-income countries for the years 2020 and 2040

Previous studies have shown a disproportionate rise in cancer incidence in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) due to rapid population ageing. This study aims to describe the cancer incidence in adults aged 60 years and older in LMICs to inform cancer control planning. Using the latest GLOBOCAN estimates for 2020, we describe the cancer incidence and the top five cancer sites among adults aged 60 years and older living in LMICs. We also project the incidence in 2040 by applying population projections, assuming no changes in incidence rates and risk profiles over time. In 2020, 6.3 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in older adults in LMICs, constituting over half of the global incidence burden (55%). In females aged 60 years and older living in LMICs, breast, lung, colon, stomach, and cervix uteri were the most frequent cancer types representing 51% of the total number of new cancer cases in older females. In males aged 60 years and older living in LMICs, lung, prostate, stomach, liver and colon were the most frequent cancer types representing 58% of the total number of new cancer cases in this subgroup. Variations were observed between income categories. The number of new cancer diagnoses in adults aged 60 years and older living in LMICs will almost double by 2040, reaching 11.5 million new cancer cases. The greatest increase is expected to happen in lower-income countries (+158% in lower-middle-income countries (excluding India) and +99% in low-income countries versus +38% in upper-middle-income countries). In conclusion, our findings call for an urgent adaptation of healthcare systems in LMICs by developing geriatric oncology and by including older adults in research, clinical guidelines, insurance schemes and cancer prevention policies.

Applications of nanotechnologies for miRNA-based cancer therapeutics: current advances and future perspectives

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short (18-25 nt), non-coding, widely conserved RNA molecules responsible for regulating gene expression via sequence-specific post-transcriptional mechanisms. Since the human miRNA transcriptome regulates the expression of a number of tumor suppressors and oncogenes, its dysregulation is associated with the clinical onset of different types of cancer. Despite the fact that numerous therapeutic approaches have been designed in recent years to treat cancer, the complexity of the disease manifested by each patient has prevented the development of a highly effective disease management strategy. However, over the past decade, artificial miRNAs (i.e., anti-miRNAs and miRNA mimics) have shown promising results against various cancer types; nevertheless, their targeted delivery could be challenging. Notably, numerous reports have shown that nanotechnology-based delivery of miRNAs can greatly contribute to hindering cancer initiation and development processes, representing an innovative disease-modifying strategy against cancer. Hence, in this review, we evaluate recently developed nanotechnology-based miRNA drug delivery systems for cancer therapeutics and discuss the potential challenges and future directions, such as the promising use of plant-made nanoparticles, phytochemical-mediated modulation of miRNAs, and nanozymes.

Efficacy and safety of metformin in combination with chemotherapy in cancer patients without diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The results of a meta-analysis of retrospective studies suggest that the use of metformin in cancer patients may prolong progression-free disease survival and overall survival. However, the studies included in the meta-analysis did not strictly distinguish between patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, further studies are needed to assess whether the use of adjuvant chemotherapy with metformin in cancer patients without diabetes improves prognosis.

Method

Systematic searches of Embase, Pubmed, and The Cochrane library were performed for the subject terms metformin and neoplasm and for free words. Data related to PFS, OS were extracted according to inclusion exclusion criteria. The data were combined and meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 to confirm the efficacy and safety of metformin administration.

Results

There were 3228 publications retrieved from the database and a total of 13 publications with 955 patients were included in the meta-analysis after screening. All included studies were randomised controlled trials. Metformin combined with adjuvant chemotherapy did not improve progression-free survival (HR=1,95CI 0.79-1.25), overall survival (HR=0.91,95% CI 0.69-1.20) and did not improve objective disease response rates in patients. There was no significant difference in grade 3-4 adverse reactions compared to placebo.

Conclusion

In this meta-analysis of randomised controlled trial studies, we found that chemotherapy in combination with metformin in cancer patients without diabetes did not prolong progression-free survival and overall survival and improved disease control in patients, although there was no significant difference in terms of safety. More high-quality randomised controlled trials are needed in the future to confirm the in vivo anti-tumour activity and survival benefit of metformin.

Loneliness in older adults living with cancer: A scoping review of the quantitative and qualitative evidence on behalf of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology Nursing and Allied Health Interest Group

INTRODUCTION

Loneliness is common in older adults. Cancer and its treatments can heighten loneliness and result in poor outcomes. However, little is known about loneliness in older adults with cancer. Our objective was to provide an overview of the prevalence of loneliness, contributing factors, evolution during the cancer trajectory, impact on treatment, and interventions to reduce loneliness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a scoping review including studies on loneliness in adults with cancer aged ≥65. Original, published studies of any designs (excluding case reports) were included. A two-step screening process was performed.

RESULTS

Out of 8,720 references, 19 studies (11 quantitative, 6 qualitative, 2 mixed-methods), mostly from the United States, Netherlands, and/or Belgium, and most published from 2010, were included. Loneliness was assessed by the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, and the UCLA loneliness scale. Up to 50% of older adults felt lonely. Depression and anxiety were often correlated with loneliness. Loneliness may increase over the first 6-12 months during treatment. One study assessed the feasibility of an intervention aiming at reducing primarily depression and anxiety and secondarily, loneliness in patients with cancer aged ≥70 after five 45-min sessions with a mental health professional. No studies investigated the impact of loneliness on cancer care and health outcomes.

DISCUSSION

This review documents the scarcity of literature on loneliness in older adults with cancer. The negative impacts of loneliness on health in the general population are well known; a better understanding of the magnitude and impact of loneliness in older adults with cancer is urgently warranted.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A disease of significant importance for older patients

BACKGROUND

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is clinically defined as a non-healing jawbone ulcerative-necrotic lesion appearing after dental therapy or minor trauma in patients treated previously with anti-resorptive, anti-angiogenic or immunomodulators. Older patients with osteoporosis and cancer receive these pharmacological agents regularly. As these patients are long-term survivors, efficient treatment is of paramount importance for their quality of life.

METHODS

Literature searches via PubMed were conducted to identify relevant MRONJ studies. Basic information on MRONJ classification, clinical features, and pathosphysiology is presented herein as well as various clinical studies dealing with MRONJ in patients with osteoporosis and cancer. Lastly, we discuss current managment of patients and new trends in treatment of MRONJ.

RESULTS

Although close follow-up and local hygiene have been advocated by some authors, severe forms of MRONJ are not responsive to conservative therapy. At present, there is no "gold standard" therapy for this condition. However, as the physiopathological basis of MRONJ is represented by the anti-angiogenic action of various pharmacological agents, new methods to increase and promote local angiogenesis and vascularization have recently been successfully tested in vitro, limited preclinical studies, and in a pilot clinical study.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that the best method implies application on the lesion of endothelial progenitor cells as well as pro-angiogenic factors such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and other related molecules. More recently, scaffolds in which these factors have been incorporated have shown positive results in limited trials. However, these studies must be replicated to include a large number of cases before any official therapeutic protocol is adopted.

Ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged patients with cancer before gonadotoxic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

STUDY QUESTION

Does cancer itself, before any gonadotoxic treatment, affect ovarian function in reproductive-aged patients?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Our study revealed that women with cancer may have decreased ovarian reserve markers even before cancer therapy.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

With the field 'oncofertility' improving rapidly, cancer therapy-mediated ovarian damage is well characterized. However, there is a controversy about whether cancer itself affects ovarian function before gonadotoxic treatment.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION

We conducted a systematic meta-analysis investigating the association between cancer and ovarian function prior to gonadotoxic treatment. Titles or abstracts related to ovarian reserve (e.g. anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC), or basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)) combined with titles or abstracts related to the exposure (e.g. cancer*, oncolog*, or malignan*) were searched in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from inception to 1 February 2022.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS

We included cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies in English that examined ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged patients (18-45 years) with cancer compared to age-matched controls before cancer treatment. The quality of the included studies was assessed by ROBINS-I. Fixed or random effects were conducted to estimate standard or weighted mean difference (SMD or WMD, respectively) and CI. Heterogeneity was assessed by the Q test and I² statistics, and publication bias was evaluated by Egger's and Begg's tests.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The review identified 17 eligible studies for inclusion. The results showed that cancer patients had lower serum AMH levels compared to healthy controls (SMD = -0.19, 95% CI = -0.34 to -0.03, P = 0.001), especially women with hematological malignancies (SMD = -0.62, 95% CI = -0.99 to -0.24, P = 0.001). The AFC was also decreased in patients with cancer (WMD = -0.93, 95% CI = -1.79 to -0.07, P = 0.033) compared to controls, while inhibin B and basal FSH levels showed no statistically significant differences.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

Serum AMH and basal FSH levels in this meta-analysis showed high heterogeneity, and the small number of studies contributing to most subgroup analyses limited the heterogeneity analysis. Moreover, the studies for specific cancer subtypes may be too small to draw conclusions; more studies are needed to investigate the possible impact of cancer type and stage on ovarian function.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our study confirmed the findings that cancer per se, especially hematological malignancies, negatively affects serum AMH level, and AFC values of reproductive-aged women. However, the lower AMH levels and AFC values may also be due to the changes in ovarian physiology under oncological conditions, rather than actual lower ovarian reserves. Based on the meta-analysis, clinicians should raise awareness about the possible need for personalized approaches for young women with cancer who are interested in pursuing fertility preservation strategies before anticancer treatments.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (nos 81873824, 82001514, and 81902669) and the Applied Basic Research Program of Wuhan Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology (2019020701011436). The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO (CRD42021235954).

Trends in survival for cancer patients aged 65 years or over from 1995 to 2014 in the United States: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

Adults aged 65 years and above account for over half of all cancer diagnoses in the United States, but little is known about trend of elderly cancer survival in the United States. We aimed to assess the survival trend for elderly cancer in the United States from 1995 to 2014.

METHODS

We used data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 12 registries and included 1,112,441 eligible patients aged 65 years or older who were diagnosed between 1995 and 2014 with cancer and followed up until December 2019. Overall and stage-specific 5-year relative survival, ratio of observed survival to expected survival, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of elderly cancer patients stratified by age were estimated during four periods (1995-1999, 2000-2004, 2005-2009, and 2010-2014). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios for cancer-specific death among patients diagnosed during 2000-2004, 2005-2009, 2010-2014, compared diagnoses in 1995-1999. We also calculated stage distribution and treatment rate during four periods.

RESULTS

In the United States, 5-year relative survival for elderly cancer patients improved from 57.3% (95% CIs 57.0-57.5) in 1995-1999 to 60.7% (60.5-60.9) in 2010-2014. After controlling for sociodemographic and tumor characteristics, about a 19% reduction in cancer-specific deaths among diagnoses in 2010-2014 compared with 1995-1999. Cancer survival improved for elderly patients in all age groups, with exception of stable survival for patients aged 85 and above. Comparing 1995-1999 with 2010-2014, relative survival improved from 84.7% (84.3-85.1) to 86.7% (86.3-87.0) for localized stage and from 12.4% (12.1-12.7) to 18.7% (18.4-19.0) for distant stage for all cancers combined. The trends in stage distribution and treatment rate for all cancers combined were relatively stable.

CONCLUSIONS

In the United States, survival for elderly cancer patients has improved slightly from 1995 to 2014, possibly mainly due to advances in treatment. Further studies are warranted to explore interventions to improve elderly cancer survival.

Care needs of older patients with advanced cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarized current research evidence examining care needs of older patients with advanced cancer in dealing with disease, treatment, and treatment-related side effects. It also identified gaps and directions for future research and practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

Older patients with advanced cancer need support from health professionals, family, friends, and other social network members in the management of physical symptoms and functioning, psychosocial and spiritual care, information provision, and practical resolution of daily problems. As older patients are affected by aging-related factors, they usually have unique patterns of care needs compared with younger patients.

SUMMARY

Currently, insufficient research evidence hinders a comprehensive understanding of care needs of older patients with advanced cancer, as well as potential influencing factors. Future efforts are needed to develop more sophisticated assessment methods and interventions to better understand and address care needs of older patients with advanced cancer.

Epigenetics in cancer development, diagnosis and therapy

Cancer is a dangerous disease and one of the leading causes of death in the world. In 2020, there were nearly 10 million cancer deaths and approximately 20 million new cases. New cases and deaths from cancer are expected to increase further in the coming years. To have a deeper insight into the mechanism of carcinogenesis, epigenetics studies have been published and received much attention from scientists, doctors, and patients. Among alterations in epigenetics, DNA methylation and histone modification are studied by many scientists. They have been reported to be a major contributor in tumor formation and are involved in metastasis. From the understanding of DNA methylation and histone modification, effective, accurate and cost-effective methods for diagnosis and screening of cancer patients have been introduced. Furthermore, therapeutic approaches and drugs targeting altered epigenetics have also been clinically studied and have shown positive results in combating tumor progression. Several cancer drugs that rely on DNA methylation inactivation or histone modification have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of cancer patients. In summary, epigenetics changes such as DNA methylation or histone modification are take part in tumor growth, and they also have great prospect to study diagnostic and therapeutic methods of this dangerous disease.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in Patients with Concomitant Cancer: A Literature Review

OBJECTIVES

Abdominal aortic aneurysmal (AAA) repair in patients with concomitant cancer is controversial due to increased comorbidity and reduced life expectancy in this specific patient group. This literature review aims to investigate the evidence supporting one treatment modality over another (endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) or open repair (OR)), as well as treatment strategy (staged AAA-, cancer first or simultaneous procedures) in patients with AAA and concomitant cancer.

METHODS

Literature review, including studies published from 2000 to 2021 on surgical treatment in patients with AAA and concomitant cancer and related outcomes (30-day morbidity/complications as well as 30-day and 3-year mortality).

RESULTS

24 studies comprising 560 patients undergoing surgical treatment of AAA and concomitant cancer were included. Of these, 220 cases were treated with EVAR and 340 with OR. Simultaneous procedures were performed in 190 cases, 370 received staged procedures. The 30-day mortality for EVAR versus OR was 1% and 8%, corresponding to a relative risk (RR) of 0.11 (95% CI: 0.03-0.46, p = 0.002). No difference in mortality was observed between staged versus simultaneous procedure nor between AAA-first versus cancer-first strategy, RR 0.59 (95% CI: 0.29-1.1, p = 0.13) and 0.88 (95% CI 0.34-2.31, p = 0.80), respectively. Overall, 3-year mortality was 21% for EVAR and 39% for OR from 2000-2021, while the mortality up to 3 years after EVAR within recent years (2015-2021) was 16%.

CONCLUSION

This review supports EVAR treatment as first choice if suitable. No consensus was established on treating either the aneurysm or the cancer first or simultaneously. Long-term mortality after EVAR was comparable to non-cancer patients within recent years.

Evaluation of the advantages of robotic versus laparoscopic surgery in elderly patients with colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The incidence of colorectal cancer increases with aging. Curative-intent surgery based on a minimally invasive concept is expected to bring survival benefits to elderly patients (aged over 80 years) with colorectal cancer who are frequently with fragile health status and advanced tumors. The study explored survival outcomes in this patient population who received robotic or laparoscopic surgery and aimed to identify an optimal surgical option for those patients.

METHODS

We retrieved the clinical materials and follow-up data on elderly patients with colorectal carcinoma who received robotic or laparoscopic surgery in our institution. The pathological and surgical outcomes were compared to examine the efficacy and safety of the two approaches. The DFS (disease-free survival) and OS (overall survival) results at 3 years after surgery were assessed to explore the survival benefits.

RESULTS

A total of 111 patients were screened for the study, including 55 in the robotic group and 56 in the laparoscopic group. The demographic details were generally similar between the two groups. No statistically significant difference in the number of removed lymph nodes was observed between the two approaches, with a median of 15 versus 14 (P = 0.053). The intraoperative blood loss was significantly reduced by robotic technique when compared to the laparoscopic approach, with a mean of 76.9 ml versus 161.6 ml (P = 0.025). There were no significant differences in operation time, conversion, postoperative complications and recovery, and long-term outcomes between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Robotic surgery was prized for elderly patients with colorectal cancer who developed anemia and/or hematological conditions.

Impact of pharmaceutical care interventions on multidisciplinary care of older patients with cancer: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Optimizing medication use is a major issue in older patients with cancer and pharmacists are increasingly involved in their multidisciplinary care. The implementation of pharmaceutical care interventions must be supported by impact evaluations to enable their development and funding. This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on the impact of pharmaceutical care interventions in older patients with cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search was performed in the PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases, for articles reporting evaluations of pharmaceutical care interventions for patients with cancer aged 65 years or older.

RESULTS

Eleven studies met the selection criteria. Most pharmacists were part of multidisciplinary geriatric oncology teams. Whether in outpatient or inpatient settings, interventions had common components, including patient interview, medication reconciliation, and comprehensive medication review to assess drug-related problems (DRPs). DRPs were identified in 95% of patients with 1.7 to 3 DRPs on average. Pharmacist recommendations resulted in a 20-40% reduction in the total number of DRPs and a 20-25% decrease in the prevalence of DRP. Prevalence of potentially inappropriate or omitted medications and their subsequent deprescribing or addition varied greatly between studies, notably depending on detection tools used. Clinical impact was insufficiently evaluated. Only one study reported a reduction of anticancer treatment toxicities following a joint pharmaceutical and geriatric assessment. A single economic evaluation calculated a potential net benefit of $3,864.23 per patient resulting from the intervention.

DISCUSSION

These encouraging results must be confirmed by more robust evaluations to support the involvement of pharmacists in multidisciplinary care of older patients with cancer.

High abundance of Lachnospiraceae in the human gut microbiome is related to high immunoscores in advanced colorectal cancer

INTRODUCTION

The tumor microenvironment (TME) in colorectal cancer (CRC) includes the gut microbiome, immune cells, angiogenic factors, and fibroblasts and plays a major role in cancer progression. The Immunoscore (IS) is based on tumor infiltration by immune cells that are known prognostic biomarkers for CRC. However, the interrelation between the IS, microbiome, and other TME factors in human CRC remains unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cohort of 94 patients with CRC was examined at the Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital in Japan. The expression levels of CD3, CD8, CD31, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the primary tumor were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The IS was calculated based on the results of the CD3 and CD8 staining assays. Microbiomes in patients with CRC were examined by amplicon sequencing.

RESULTS

The expression levels of α-SMA and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in patients with CRC were negatively correlated (P = 0.006). A high IS was associated with high abundance of Lachnospiraceae in the microbiomes of patients with CRC.

CONCLUSION

Lymphocyte infiltration into the primary tumor was marked by reduced density of cancer-associated fibroblasts and enrichment of the Lachnospiraceae family in the gut microbiome, which may influence CRC progression.