Frailty in Hematologic Malignancy

Considerations for medical nutrition therapy management of the critically ill patient with hematological malignancies: A narrative review

Patients with hematological malignancies (HMs) are more frequently admitted now than in the past to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to more aggressive approaches in primary therapy of HMs and the need for critical care support. Pathophysiological alterations derived from HMs and the different hematological therapies, such as chemotherapy, negatively affect gastrointestinal (GI) function, metabolism, and nutrition status. Further, malnutrition strongly influences outcomes and tolerance of the different hematological therapies. In consequence, these critically ill patients frequently present with malnutrition and pathophysiological alterations that create challenges for the delivery of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) in the ICU. Frequent screening, gauging tolerance, and monitoring nutrition status are mandatory to provide individualized MNT and achieve nutrition objectives. The present review discusses how HM impact GI function and nutrition status, the importance of MNT in patients with HM, and specific considerations for guidance in providing adequate MNT to these patients when admitted to the ICU.

Frailty and Cancer Prognosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the prognostic role of frailty in older patients diagnosed with cancer and to explore the evidence regarding its prognostic implications in cancer survivors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Frailty has been consistently associated with mortality/overall survival, postoperative complications, short- and long-term postoperative mortality, length of stay, among other adverse health-related outcomes in several oncological contexts. The possible association between frailty and treatment toxicity has been less explored, however most studies suggest frailty is a predictor of treatment induced toxicity. In addition, in cancer survivors, frailty is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, incident type 2 diabetes mellitus, mortality, altered cognitive performance and increased symptom severity. Due to its usefulness in establishing prognosis and informing treatment decision making, it is expected that frailty screening and assessment will continue to gain popularity as part of the pretreatment evaluation of older patients with cancer.

The Haemato-Oncology Frailty (HOF) score to assess frailty in lymphoma

Morbidity and mortality during chemotherapy in older adults with haematological malignancy can be unpredictable. The Haemato-Oncology Frailty (HOF) score was previously found to predict outcomes in a cohort of patients with plasma cell myeloma. In this study, we assess its utility in assessing frailty in patients with lymphoma, and compare its performance to that of two other frailty scores. The HOF score was able to predict progression-free survival in this population, and was also shown to have potential in assessing the dynamism of frailty during chemotherapy. It performed well when compared to the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score and the Haematopoietic Cell Transplantation-Specific Comorbidity Index (HCTCI), although the study was not powered to assess for non-inferiority. The HOF score is a new score with the potential for application in different haematological malignancies.

New treatment opportunities for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia and the increasing importance of frailty assessment - An oncogeriatric perspective

With the introduction of targeted chemotherapy drugs, a new age of treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has begun. The promotion of the azacitidine+venetoclax combination regimen to first line of treatment in patients deemed ineligible for intensive chemotherapy marks the first of many novel combination regimens becoming part of national treatment guidelines. We review recent phase II and III clinical trials and conclude that these novel regimens offer significant increases in response rates, remission rates, and overall survival. The incidence of adverse events, the accrued time toxicity, and the healthcare costs, however, are increasing as well. Compared with clinical trials, older patients in the real world frequently present with an inferior baseline health status, which is associated with an increased risk of experiencing side effects. The key to reaping the maximum benefit of the new agents and their combination regimens therefore lies in sufficient attention being given to a patients' preexisting comorbidities, potential frailty, and quality of life. A systematic collaboration between hemato-oncologists and geriatricians can be a potent first step towards addressing the increased treatment intensity patients with AML experience under the novel regimens. In this narrative review article we provide an overview of recent and ongoing clinical trials, highlight encountered adverse events, discuss frailty assessment options, and outline an oncogeriatic care path for older patients with AML.

Frailty assessment to individualize treatment in older patients with lymphoma

PURPOSE

A study analyzing the application of a protocol of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in older patients with lymphoma was carried out to allow frailty-based patient classification and individualized treatment.

METHODS

Lymphoma patients older than 70 years referred to the Geriatric Clinic at a tertiary hospital between May 2016 and March 2021 were included. The assessment protocol included comorbidity, polypharmacy, nutritional, functional, and mental status, geriatric syndromes, and life expectancy. CGA enabled patient classification into four groups (Type I to Type IV) based on frailty assessment instrument scoring and clinical, functional, and mental status. Variables were compared using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests and Kaplan-Meier survival curves.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients (55.9% women) were included. Median age was 81.1 years (± 5.7). 23 patients (24.7%) were classified as robust (type I), 30 (32.3%) as pre-frail (type II) with potentially reversable deficits, 38 (40.9%) as frail (type III), and 2 (2.2%) as requiring palliative care (type IV). Patients received oncospecific treatment with modifications carried out in 64.5% of cases based on CGA results. Differences in overall survival (p = 0.002), response to treatment (p < 0.001) and likelihood of increased frailty (p = 0.024) were observed, with type III-IV patients showing significantly worse outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Performance of standardized, systematic CGA by geriatricians permits older lymphoma patients to be classified according to frailty, with significant differences in terms of clinical outcomes across groups. We propose incorporating CGA performed by geriatricians as part of the multidisciplinary care team to optimize therapeutic strategy for these patients.

Treatment Individualization in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Is Frailty Enough for Old Adults? An Original Article

INTRODUCTION

Toxicity risk evaluation based on frailty assessment is recommended for treatment individualization in old adults with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, no specific assessment method to guide decision-making has been established yet. Here, we implement a therapeutic algorithm based on the information obtained in an updated comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) to assess the value that other prognostic factors add to frailty.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We prospectively recruited 31 patients aged 70 or older recently diagnosed with DLBCL. Standard dose regimen R-CHOP and dose-attenuated R-miniCHOP were the therapeutic options. A CGA-based algorithm was used for the initial treatment recommendation. The sample was compared according to frailty and treatment allocation to describe baseline differential characteristics and treatment tolerance.

RESULTS

Mean age was 79 (SD: 5.5) and 45.1% were above 80. Half of the patients (51.6%) were frail; their survival was inferior to that observed in fit adults (p: .034). The mean Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score of patients responding to therapy was higher than non-responders´ media (8.6 vs. 5.9; p: .022). However, when RCHOP was allocated to high functional patients within fit and frail groups, no differences in survival were found compared to R-miniCHOP. The prevalence of toxic events was higher with the standard regimen in fit (p: .054) and frail patients (p: 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of frailty and physical performance assessment in an algorithm is a promising method to guide the decision-making process in old adults with DLBCL. SPPB might complete frailty predictive information on toxicity risk.

Hand grip strength, short physical performance battery, and gait speed: key tools for function in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

This study aimed to determine which performance assessment tools included in Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) are the most sensitive for the functional approach in the initial evaluation and during the therapy of old adults diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). We prospectively recruited 31 patients aged 70 years or older presenting for an initial consultation in the Hematology Clinic of a tertiary hospital. We implemented an updated physical performance evaluation as part of CGA at baseline and during treatment. Baseline characteristics of the sample were compared according to age, Geriatric 8 (G8), frailty, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and sarcopenia measured by hand grip strength (HGS). Functional changes were monitored during the treatment period using HGS, gait speed (GS) and SPPB. The mean age was 79.0 (5.5) years and 51.6% of the sample was frail; 65,5% were treated with standard chemotherapy and 35,5% with a therapeutic regimen with attenuated doses. All the assessment tools included in CGA found functional differences at baseline when the sample was stratified and compared according to frailty, sarcopenia, and SPPB, but not according to G8 score and age. Only SPPB was able to detect functional differences between groups stratified by age at baseline. GS was the only score that identified clinically significant functional changes during the treatment. In conclusion, HGS and SPPB are appropriate performance scores to complete the functional approach in the initial hematologic evaluation, and GS is a promising option to detect functional decline during therapy in old adults with DLBCL.

The Five "Ws" of Frailty Assessment and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Who, What, Where, Why, and When

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a disease of the elderly, but chronological age does not accurately discriminate frailty status at the inter-individual level. Frailty describes a person's overall resilience. Since CLL is a stressful situation, it is relevant to assess the patient´s degree of frailty, especially before starting antineoplastic treatment. We are in the era of targeted therapies, which have helped to control the disease more effectively and avoid the toxicity of chemo (immuno) therapy. However, these drugs are not free of side effects and other aspects arise that should not be neglected, such as interactions, previous comorbidities, or adherence to treatment, since most of these medications are taken continuously. The challenge we face is to balance the risk of toxicity and efficacy in a personalized way and without forgetting that the most frequent cause of death in CLL is related to the disease. For this purpose, comprehensive geriatric assessment (GA) provides us with the opportunity to evaluate multiple domains that may affect tolerance to treatment and that could be improved with appropriate interventions. In this review, we will analyze the state of the art of GA in CLL through the five Ws.

Frailty in chronic myeloid leukemia: evidence from 2016-2018 Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the US

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a marker of poor prognosis in older adults with hematologic malignancies and contributes to the severe vulnerability of the aging population to adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the association between frailty and outcomes in hospitalized patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

METHODS

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) identified data on hospitalized patients 20 years or older admitted with CML between 2016 and 2018 in the US National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. The cohort was further divided into groups of patients with or without frailty. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine associations between study variables and clinical outcomes. A stratified analysis of the association between frailty and in-hospital mortality by age group was also performed.

RESULTS

A total of 13,849 hospitalized patients with CML were included, 49.6% of whom had frailty. The mean age of the patients was 65.1 years, and 7,619 (56.2%) of them were male. Frailty was associated with nearly 4 times the risk of in-hospital mortality, 3 times the risk of unfavorable discharge, 3 times the risk of prolonged LOS,, and significantly more in total hospital costs. In addition, frailty was associated with a significantly increased risk of in-hospital mortality in all age subgroups (< 40 years, 40-59 years, and > 60 years) compared with no frailty.

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty strongly predicts poor clinical outcomes in US patients with CML.

Impact of hematopoietic cell transplant frailty scale on transplant outcome in adults

This prospective study designs an HCT Frailty Scale to classify alloHCT candidates into groups of frail, pre-frail, and fit, and to be implemented in the first consultation at no additional cost. The present scale is composed of the following eight variables: Clinical Frailty Scale, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Timed Up and Go Test, Grip Strength, Self-Health Rated, Falls, Albumin, and C-Reactive Protein. The Frailty score of a patient is the weighted sum of scores for each item, with weights assigned according to the hazard ratios of a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model estimated and validated with data on OS as the dependent variable, and the scores of the eight variables as explanatory ones, from 298 adults split into training (n = 200) and validation (n = 98) sets. For clinical use, the scale scores were transformed into three categories: scale score ≤1: fit; 1<scale score ≤5.5: pre-frail; scale score >5.5 frail. The estimated probabilities of 1-year OS in each group of frailty, were, respectively: 83.7%, 48.5%, and 16.5% (p < 0.001). In the validation cohort, the respective values were 90.3%, 69.5%, and 46.2% (p < 0.001). Pending further external validations, the HCT Frailty Scale is a low cost-highly informative prognostic signal of outcomes at the pre-transplant stage.

The Prognostic Utility of a Geriatric Assessment for Patients with Pancreatic Cancer Receiving Gemcitabine-based Chemotherapy: A Prospective Observational Study

Objective To evaluate the effect of a pretreatment geriatric assessment on the clinical outcomes in older patients with unresectable or recurrent pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) scheduled to receive gemcitabine (GEM)/GEM+nab-paclitaxel (GnP). Patients Older patients with unresectable PDAC scheduled to receive GEM/GnP who visited Kyorin University Hospital and cooperating institutions were enrolled and followed from April 2015 to March 2020. The maximum observation period was two years. All patients underwent a cancer-specific geriatric assessment (CSGA) and optional geriatric assessment (GA) before treatment initiation and two months after the start of treatment. The patients' background characteristics, tumor progression, tumor site, and regimen (GEM/GnP) were examined in a Cox proportional hazards model. The relationship between the overall survival (OS) and GA score was also determined. Eligible patients (age ≥70 years old with histopathologically confirmed unresectable or recurrent PDAC) were scheduled to receive first-line chemotherapy. Results The performance status (PS) and activities of daily living (ADL)/instrumental ADL (IADL) scores at baseline correlated with the OS. Furthermore, even in cases with normal baseline values, lower Frontal Assessment Battery scores and higher Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form scores after treatment initiation were significantly correlated with OS. Conclusion The baseline PS, ADL, and IADL may be prognostic factors in older PDAC patients. In addition, a normal frontal lobe function and depression scores prior to treatment initiation that rapidly worsened during treatment were independently associated with a reduced OS. Selecting appropriate interventions and improving the therapeutic environment may prolong the OS in such patients.

Assessing frailty using comprehensive geriatric assessment in older patients with hematologic malignancy

The incidence of hematologic malignancy increases with age; thus, the number of older patients who require intensive chemotherapy is expected to increase with the aging population. In Korea, 61.8%, 59.3%, 47.0%, and 46.7% of newly diagnosed cases of multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloproliferative disorder, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, respectively, occurred in patients aged >65 years in 2018. Health status among older patients, defined by frailty, age-related syndrome of physiological decline and increased vulnerability, is associated with adverse health outcomes. Health status is highly heterogeneous among older patients, and treatment outcomes vary according to frailty and physiologic age rather than chronologic age. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is a multidimensional and multidisciplinary diagnostic and treatment process that identifies multiple domains, including functional status, cognition, comorbidities, medications, socioeconomic status, and nutritional status, to develop a coordinated plan to improve treatment-related outcomes and quality of life. Frailty can be assessed with CGA findings, and CGA is considered the "gold standard of care" for frail, older patients. Through CGA, unidentified problems can be assessed, and pre-emptive and non-oncologic interventions can be delivered. CGA is an objective and reliable tool for predicting further treatment-related complications and identifying patients for whom intensive chemotherapy with curative intent is appropriate. CGA should be considered a routine practice before starting treatment planning in older patients diagnosed with hematologic malignancies who require intensive chemotherapy. Further study is needed to allocate individualized treatment plans or multidisciplinary geriatric interventions according to CGA results.

[Frailty in Head and Neck Oncology]

Since treatment of elderly patients with head and neck cancer is often challenging due to preexisting comorbidities, continuous efforts are required to raise awareness for frailty, which is a multidimensional state of diminished physiologic reserve resulting in decreased resiliency and increased vulnerability to stressors. Frailty is a predictor of poor clinical outcomes in head and neck cancer patients, but until now there is no standardization of frailty assessment. Pretherapeutic frailty assessment among head and neck cancer patients should be incorporated into routine multidisciplinary management to predict adverse outcomes and tailor a personalized treatment. This article would like to explain the complex syndrome frailty and its importance for head and neck oncology.

Impact of a comprehensive geriatric assessment on decision-making in older patients with hematological malignancies

OBJECTIVE

Hematological treatment decisions in older adults with hematological malignancies are complex. Our objective is to study the impact of a comprehensive geriatric assessment on hematological treatment decision in older patients and the factors associated with change in treatment plan.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of patients aged 65 years and above with hematological malignancies, hospitalized between 2008 and 2019 at the University Cancer Institute of Toulouse. They were assessed by a geriatrician/nurse team using a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). A penalized logistic regression model with elastic net regularization was used to identify factors associated with change in hematological treatment plan.

RESULTS

A total of 424 patients were included. Main hematological malignancies were lymphoma (36.1 %), acute myeloid leukemia (26.9 %) and myelodysplastic syndrome (19.8%). Change in hematological treatment plan was suggested after CGA for 92 patients (21.7%). Factors associated with change in treatment plan were functional impairment according to ADL and IADL scale, mobility impairment, the presence of comorbidity defined by the Charlson score >1 and increasing age.

CONCLUSION

A CGA has a significant impact on hematological treatment decision in older patients. Functional and mobility impairment, comorbidities and age are predictive factors of change in treatment plan.

Older adults in hematologic malignancy trials: Representation, barriers to participation and strategies for addressing underrepresentation

Despite a high incidence of hematologic malignancies in older adults, available data indicate that there is disproportionately low representation of adults ≥65 years with hematologic malignancies (greater in patients ≥75 years) in clinical trials. Biological and clinical differences between older and younger adults and diversity within older patients necessitate adequate representation of the older subpopulation in hematologic malignancy trials. This would allow trial results to be generalizable and inform treatment decisions in the older patient population. Restrictive eligibility criteria may be barriers to adequate representation, as older adults do not typically meet these criteria. Efforts to broaden eligibility criteria in clinical trials have been proposed and may promote enrollment of a representative older population with hematologic malignancies. Collaboration among a diverse group of stakeholders will be needed to implement current proposals and evaluate their impact on increasing representation of older adults in trials evaluating therapies for hematologic malignancies.

Outcomes for older adults with acute myeloid leukemia after an intensive care unit admission

BACKGROUND

Older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are often assumed to have poor outcomes after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). However, little is known about ICU utilization and post-ICU outcomes in this population.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective analysis for 330 patients who were 60 years old or older and were diagnosed with AML between 2005 and 2013 at 2 hospitals in Boston.They used descriptive statistics to examine the proportion of patients admitted to the ICU as well as their mortality and functional recovery. They used logistic regression to identify risk factors for in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Ninety-six patients (29%) were admitted to the ICU, primarily because of respiratory failure (39%), septic shock (28%), and neurological compromise (9%). The proportions of patients who survived to hospital discharge, 90 days, and 1 year were 47% (45 of 96), 35% (34 of 96), and 30% (29 of 96), respectively. At 90 days, 76% of the patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0 or 1, and 86% were in complete remission (CR) and/or continued to receive AML-directed therapy. In a multivariate analysis, a poorer baseline ECOG PS score (odds ratio, 2.76; P = .013) and the need for 2 or more life-sustaining therapies (ie, vasopressors, invasive ventilation, and/or renal replacement therapy; odds ratio, 12.4; P < .001) were associated with increased odds of in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Although almost one-third of older patients with AML are admitted to an ICU, nearly half survive to hospital discharge with good functional outcomes. The baseline performance status and the need for 2 or more life-sustaining therapies predict hospital mortality. These data support the judicious use of ICU resources for older patients with AML.

The pharmacologic management of multiple myeloma in older adults

INTRODUCTION

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

AREAS COVERED

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

EXPERT OPINION

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