Shall we operate? Preoperative assessment in elderly cancer patients (PACE) can help. A SIOG surgical task force prospective study

Value of a multidisciplinary geriatric oncology committee on patient care in a community-based, academic cancer center

INTRODUCTION

The heterogeneity in health and functional ability among older patients makes the management of cancer a unique challenge. The Geriatric Oncology Program at the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (BWMC) was created to optimize cancer management for older patients. This study aimed to assess the benefits of the implementation of such a program at a community-based academic cancer center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed patients aged ≥80 years presenting to the Geriatric Oncology Program between 2017 and 2022. A multidisciplinary team of specialists collectively reviewed each patient using geriatric-specific domains and stratified each patient into one of three management groups- Group 1: those deemed fit to receive standard oncologic care (SOC); Group 2: those recommended to receive optimization services prior to reassessment for SOC; and Group 3: those deemed to be best suited for supportive care and/or hospice care.

RESULTS

The study cohort consisted of 233 patients, of which 76 (32.6%) received SOC, 43 (18.5%) were optimized, and 114 (49.0%) received supportive care or hospice referral. Among the optimized patients, 69.8% were deemed fit for SOC upon re-evaluation following their respective optimization services. The Canadian Study of Health and Aging-Clinical Frailty Scale (CSHA-CFS) score was implemented in 2019 (n = 90). Patients receiving supportive/hospice care only had an average score of 5.8, while the averages for those in the optimization and SOC groups were 4.6 and 4.1, respectively (p ≤0.001). Patients receiving SOC had the longest average survival of 2.71 years compared to the optimization (2.30 years) and supportive care groups (0.93 years) (p ≤0.001). For all patients that underwent surgical interventions post-operatively, 23 patients (85%) were discharged home and four (15%) were discharged to a rehabilitation facility.

DISCUSSION

The present study demonstrates the profound impact that the complexities in health status and frailty among older individuals can have during cancer management. The Geriatric Oncology Program at BWMC maximized treatment outcomes for older adults through the provision of SOC therapies and optimization services, while also minimizing unnecessary interventions on an individual patient-centric level.

Predicting Functional Recovery and Quality of Life in Older Patients Undergoing Colorectal Cancer Surgery: Real-World Data From the International GOSAFE Study

PURPOSE

The GOSAFE study evaluates risk factors for failing to achieve good quality of life (QoL) and functional recovery (FR) in older patients undergoing surgery for colon and rectal cancer.

METHODS

Patients age 70 years and older undergoing major elective colorectal surgery were prospectively enrolled. Frailty assessment was performed and outcomes, including QoL (EQ-5D-3L) recorded (3/6 months postoperatively). Postoperative FR was defined as a combination of Activity of Daily Living ≥5 + Timed Up & Go test <20 seconds + MiniCog >2.

RESULTS

Prospective complete data were available for 625/646 consecutive patients (96.9%; 435 colon and 190 rectal cancer), 52.6% men, and median age was 79.0 years (IQR, 74.6-82.9 years). Surgery was minimally invasive in 73% of patients (321/435 colon; 135/190 rectum). At 3-6 months, 68.9%-70.3% patients experienced equal/better QoL (72.8%-72.9% colon, 60.1%-63.9% rectal cancer). At logistic regression analysis, preoperative Flemish Triage Risk Screening Tool ≥2 (3-month odds ratio [OR], 1.68; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.73; P = .034, 6-month OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.75; P = .027) and postoperative complications (3-month OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.20 to 3.42; P = .008, 6-month OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.15 to 5.68; P = .02) are associated with decreased QoL after colectomy. Eastern Collaborative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≥2 is a strong predictor of postoperative QoL decline in the rectal cancer subgroup (OR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.45 to 9.92; P = .006). FR was reported by 254/323 (78.6%) patients with colon and 94/133 (70.6%) with rectal cancer. Charlson Age Comorbidity Index ≥7 (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.26 to 5.32; P = .009), ECOG ≥2 (OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.36 to 7.20; P = .007 colon; OR, 4.61; 95% CI, 1.45 to 14.63; P = .009 rectal surgery), severe complications (OR, 17.33; 95% CI, 7.30 to 40.8; P < .001), fTRST ≥2 (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.40 to 5.25; P = .003), and palliative surgery (OR, 4.11; 95% CI, 1.29 to 13.07; P = .017) are risk factors for not achieving FR.

CONCLUSION

The majority of older patients experience good QoL and stay independent after colorectal cancer surgery. Predictors for failing to achieve these essential outcomes are now defined to guide patients' and families' preoperative counseling.

Impact of Frailty and Sarcopenia on Short- and Long-Term Outcomes in Elderly Patients Undergoing Radical Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

The impact of frailty and sarcopenia in patients with gastric cancer is unclear. This study aimed to comprehensively examine the impact of frailty and sarcopenia on the short- and long-term outcomes in elderly patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively assessed 246 patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent radical gastrectomy. Frailty and sarcopenia were assessed using the modified frailty index (mFI) and psoas muscle mass index (PMI), respectively.

RESULTS

There were 30 (12.2%) and 60 (24.4%) patients with High-mFI and Low-PMI, respectively. As the age increased, both sexes showed significant correlations with PMI and mFI (r = - 0.238, 0.322, P = 0.003 and 0.002, respectively). High-mFI and Low-PMI did not affect the short-term outcomes. However, High-mFI was an independent risk factor for non-home discharge (P = 0.004) and was a significant predictor of 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.76 and 2.26; P = 0.002 and 0.005, respectively) and 1-, 3- and 5-year non-cancer-specific survival (non-CSS) (HR = 4.88, 8.05, and 4.01; P = 0.017, < 0.001, < 0.001, respectively). Low-PMI was a significant predictor of only 5-year OS (HR = 2.03, P = 0.003) and non-CSS (HR = 2.10, P = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty is significant predictor of non-home discharge and 1-, 3-, 5-year OS and 3- and 5-year non-CSS. Sarcopenia is a significant predictor of 5-year OS and non-CSS. Preoperative assessment of both frailty and sarcopenia can help surgeons to select adequate treatment strategies for the elderly population.

Incidence of preoperative instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) dependence and adverse outcomes in older surgical patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are essential to patient function and quality of life after surgery. In older surgical patients, the incidence of preoperative IADL dependence has not been well characterized in the literature. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled incidence of preoperative IADL dependence and the associated adverse outcomes in the older surgical population.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

SETTING

MEDLINE, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print and In-Process, In-Data-Review & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Embase/Embase Classic, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ClinicalTrials.Gov, the WHO ICTRP (International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) were searched for relevant articles from 1969 to April 2022.

PATIENTS

Patients aged ≥60 years old undergoing surgery with preoperative IADL assessed by the Lawton IADL Scale.

INTERVENTIONS

Preoperative assessment.

MEASUREMENT

The primary outcome was the pooled incidence of preoperative IADL dependency. Additional outcomes included post-operative mortality, postoperative delirium [POD], functional status improvement, and discharge disposition.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-one studies (n = 5690) were included. In non-cardiac surgeries, the pooled incidence of preoperative IADL dependence was 37% (95% CI: 26.0%, 48.0%) among 2909 patients. Within cardiac surgeries, the pooled incidence of preoperative IADL dependence was 53% (95% CI: 24.0%, 82.0%) among 1074 patients. Preoperative IADL dependence was associated with an increased risk of postoperative delirium than those without IADL dependence (44.9% vs 24.4, OR 2.26; 95% CI: 1.42, 3.59; I2: 0%; P = 0.0005).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high incidence of IADL dependence in older surgical patients undergoing non-cardiac and cardiac surgery. Preoperative IADL dependence was associated with a two-fold risk of postoperative delirium. Further work is needed to determine the feasibility of using the IADL scale preoperatively as a predictive tool for postoperative adverse outcomes.

The value of perioperative physical activity in older patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

With a median age at diagnosis of 70, lung cancer represents an enormous public health problem among older Americans. An estimated 19,000 people age 65 and older undergo lung cancer surgery annually in the US. Older adults undergoing lung cancer surgery are often frail with limited physiologic reserves, multi-morbidities, and functional impairments. Physical function, dyspnea, and quality of life return to baseline slower in older adults compared with younger adults after lung surgery.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we summarize available data about perioperative physical activity interventions that may improve outcomes for older adults undergoing lung cancer surgery. We also review the limitations of existing studies and discuss emerging data on the roles of telehealth and family caregiver inclusion in peri-operative physical activity interventions.

EXPERT OPINION

We propose that future perioperative physical activity interventions in older adults undergoing lung cancer surgery should include a comprehensive geriatric assessment to guide personalized interventions. Interventions should be conceptually based, with a focus on enhancing self-efficacy, motivation, and adherence through classic behavior change strategies that are proven to impact outcomes. Finally, interventions should be designed with attention to feasibility and scalability. Exercise programs delivered via telehealth (telephone or tele-video) may improve access and convenience for patients.

Frailty Assessment and Prehabilitation as Part of a PeRioperative Evaluation and Planning (PREP) Program for Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery

Frailty assessment and prehabilitation can be incrementally implemented in a multidisciplinary, multiphase pathway to improve patient care. To start, modifications can be made to a surgeon's practice with existing resources while adapting standard pathways for frail patients. Frailty screening can identify patients in need of additional assessment and optimization. Personalized utilization of frailty data for optimization through prehabilitation can improve postoperative outcomes and identify patients who would benefit from adapted care. Additional utilization of the multidisciplinary team can lead to improved outcomes and a strong business case to add additional members of the team.

Frailty assessment can predict textbook outcomes in senior adults after minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery

AIM

Colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery can be associated with suboptimal outcomes in older patients. The aim was to identify the correlation between frailty and surgical variables with the achievement of Textbook Outcome (TO), a composite measure of the ideal postoperative course, by older patients with CRC.

METHOD

All consecutive patients ≥70years who underwent elective CRC-surgery between January 2017 and November 2021 were analyzed from a prospective database. To obtain a TO, all the following must be achieved: 90-day survival, Clavien-Dindo (CD) < 3, no reintervention, no readmission, no discharge to rehabilitation facility, no changes in the living situation and length of stay (LOS) ≤5days/≤14days for colon and rectal surgery respectively. Frailty and surgical variables were related to the achievement of TO.

RESULTS

Four-hundred-twenty-one consecutive patients had surgery (97.7% minimally invasive), 24.9% for rectal cancer, median age 80 years (range 70-92), median LOS of 4 days (range 1-96). Overall, 288/421 patients (68.4%) achieved a TO. CD 3-4 complications rate was 6.4%, 90-day mortality rate was 2.9%. At univariate analysis, frailty and surgical variables (ileostomy creation, p = 0.045) were related to. However, multivariate analysis showed that only frailty measures such as flemish Triage Risk Screening Tool≥2 (OR 1.97, 95%CI: 1.23-3.16; p = 0.005); Charlson Index>6 (OR 1.61, 95%CI: 1.03-2.51; p = 0.036) or Timed-Up-and-Go>20 s (OR 2.06, 95%CI: 1.01-4.19; p = 0.048) independently predicted an increased risk of not achieving a TO.

CONCLUSION

The association between frailty and comprehensive surgical outcomes offers objective data for guiding family counseling, managing expectations and discussing the possible loss of independence with patients and caregivers.

Impact of surgery and chemotherapy timing on outcomes in older versus younger epithelial ovarian cancer patients: A nationwide Danish cohort study

INTRODUCTION

To explore differences in surgical complexity, chemotherapy administration, and treatment delays between younger and older Danish patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included a nationwide cohort diagnosed with EOC from 2013 to 2018. We described surgical complexity and outcomes, the extent of chemotherapy and treatment delays stratified by age (<70 and ≥ 70 years), and surgical modality (primary, interval, or no debulking surgery).

RESULTS

In total, we included 2946 patients. For patients with advanced-stage disease, 52% of the older patients versus 25% of the younger patients did not undergo primary debulking surgery (PDS) or interval debulking surgery (IDS). For patients undergoing PDS or IDS, older patients underwent less extensive surgery and more often had residual disease after surgery >0 cm compared to younger patients. Furthermore, older patients were less often treated with chemotherapy. Older patients had PDS later than younger. We did not find any differences between age groups concerning treatment delays. Two-year cancer-specific survival differed significantly between age groups regardless of curatively intended treatment.

DISCUSSION

This study demonstrates that older patients are treated less actively concerning surgical and oncological treatment than younger patients, leading to worse cancer-specific survival. Older patients do not experience more treatment delays than younger ones.

Integrating Geriatric Assessment Measures into National Cancer Institute Clinical Trials

To improve the care of older adults with cancer, the traditional approach to clinical trial design needs to be reconsidered. Older adults are underrepresented in clinical trials with limited or no information on geriatric-specific factors, such as cognition or comorbidities. To address this knowledge gap and increase relevance of therapeutic clinical trial results to the real-life population, integration of aspects relevant to older adults is needed in oncology clinical trials. Geriatric assessment (GA) is a multidimensional tool comprising validated measures assessing specific health domains that are more frequently affected in older adults, including aspects related to physical function, comorbidity, medication use (polypharmacy), cognitive and psychological status, social support, and nutritional status. There are several mechanisms for incorporating either the full GA or specific GA measures into oncology therapeutic clinical trials to contribute to the overarching goal of the trial. Mechanisms include utilizing GA measures to better characterize the trial population, define trial eligibility, allocate treatment receipt within the context of the trial, develop predictive models for treatment outcomes, guide supportive care strategies, personalize care delivery, and assess longitudinal changes in GA domains. The objective of this manuscript is to review how GA measures can contribute to the overall goal of a clinical trial, to provide a framework to guide the selection and integration of GA measures into clinical trial design, and ultimately enable accrual of older adults to clinical trials by facilitating the design of trials tailored to older adults treated in clinical practice.

Surgical treatment in older patients with endometrial cancer: A retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

Older patients (OP) diagnosed with endometrial cancer (EC) are less likely to receive an optimal surgical treatment compared with non-older patients (NOP). This undertreatment along with the presence of more aggressive tumours at diagnosis can explain the worse prognosis of EC in OP. There is limited evidence comparing perioperative outcomes between OP and NOP, and the benefit of applying complex procedures to OP is still controversial. The primary objective of the study was to compare intraoperative and postoperative complications between NOP and OP with EC that underwent primary surgery. Secondary objectives were to compare surgical management and survival rates.

METHODS

This is a retrospective single-centre observational study including women undergoing surgery for EC between 2010 and 2019. Patients were classified according to age as NOP (younger than 75 years) or OP (75 years or older). Basal characteristics and surgical outcomes of groups were compared using Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, student T-tests or Mann Whitney tests. Kaplan Meier analysis was used to evaluate survival.

RESULTS

In total 281 patients underwent primary surgery for EC between 2010 and 2019 in our centre. At diagnosis, 184 patients were younger than 75 years while 97 were 75 and older. No differences were found in disease characteristics. Most of our patients (83,3%) underwent laparoscopic surgery. Pelvic (58,2% vs. 37,1%, p = 0,001) and para-aortic (46,7% vs. 23,7%, p < 0,001) lymphadenectomies were performed more frequently in NOP compared with OP. Rates of intra-operative (6,5% vs. 12,4%, p = 0,116) and post-operative (13,0% vs. 20,6%, p = 0,120) complications were not statistically different between NOP and OP, and neither was the rate of severe complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification (5,4% vs. 8,2% of complications grade III-V respectively, p = 0,387). The 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rate tended to be lower in the OP than in the NOP (74,8% vs. 82,5%, p = 0,071). Considering only patients in whom complete surgical staging was performed, OP presented similar DSS to NOP, with comparable complication rate.

CONCLUSIONS

OP do not present a significantly higher rate of perioperative complications compared to NOP. However, they underwent fewer lymphadenectomies and tended to present poorer DSS. Further studies are needed to standardize the surgical management of these patients.

Quality of Life in Older Adults After Major Cancer Surgery: The GOSAFE International Study

BACKGROUND

Accurate quality of life (QoL) data and functional results after cancer surgery are lacking for older patients. The international, multicenter Geriatric Oncology Surgical Assessment and Functional rEcovery after Surgery (GOSAFE) Study compares QoL before and after surgery and identifies predictors of decline in QoL.

METHODS

GOSAFE prospectively collected data before and after major elective cancer surgery on older adults (≥70 years). Frailty assessment was performed and postoperative outcomes recorded (30, 90, and 180 days postoperatively) together with QoL data by means of the three-level version of the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), including 2 components: an index (range = 0-1) generated by 5 domains (mobility, self-care, ability to perform the usual activities, pain or discomfort, anxiety or depression) and a visual analog scale.

RESULTS

Data from 26 centers were collected (February 2017-March 2019). Complete data were available for 942/1005 consecutive patients (94.0%): 492 male (52.2%), median age 78 years (range = 70-95 years), and primary tumor was colorectal in 67.8%. A total 61.2% of all surgeries were via a minimally invasive approach. The 30-, 90-, and 180-day mortality was 3.7%, 6.3%, and 9%, respectively. At 30 and 180 days, postoperative morbidity was 39.2% and 52.4%, respectively, and Clavien-Dindo III-IV complications were 13.5% and 18.7%, respectively. The mean EQ-5D-3L index was similar before vs 3 months but improved at 6 months (0.79 vs 0.82; P < .001). Domains showing improvement were pain and anxiety or depression. A Flemish Triage Risk Screening Tool score greater than or equal to 2 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13 to 2.21, P = .007), palliative surgery (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.01 to 4.52, P = .046), postoperative complications (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.19 to 3.18, P = .007) correlated with worsening QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

GOSAFE shows that older adults' preoperative QoL is preserved 3 months after cancer surgery, independent of their age. Frailty screening tools, patient-reported outcomes, and goals-of-care discussions can guide decisions to pursue surgery and direct patients' expectations.

Management of breast cancer in older patients

Japanese women have the highest life expectancy in the world and breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among them. However, little data are available to support the evidence-based clinical management due to the fact that older adults are commonly excluded from most clinical trials. In Japan the rate of other cause of death in older patient was about a half, then we should consider whether or not breast cancer may affect the patient’s life expectancy to avoid either overtreatment or undertreatment. Although management principles in older patients may be similar with those of younger age, these differences would be caused by relatively short life expectancy, some comorbidity, drug interactions and low functional status. Then, their treatment needs to be individualized. To this end, employing a comprehensive geriatric assessment may be advantageous, which enables to evaluate patient vulnerability from several different aspects, to predict adverse events of chemotherapy and to identify geriatric problems in advance so that extra support and modified treatment can be provided. Before treatment we should assess the patient’s goals and values regarding the management of the cancer, especially on balancing survival benefit with immediate quality of life impairment due to anti-cancer therapy. In Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) , a randomized controlled trial for older patients with advanced stage HER2-positive breast cancer is ongoing as an inferiority design including geriatric assessment (JCOG1607, HARB TEA study). Best practice, current management and how to approach decision making in older patients with breast cancer are summarized.

Octogenarian patients with colon cancer - postoperative morbidity and mortality are the major challenges

Background

Few studies have addressed colon cancer surgery outcomes in an unselected cohort of octogenarian patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the relative survival of octogenarian patients after a major resection of colon cancer with a curative intent.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with colon cancer at Levanger Hospital between 1980 and 2016 were included. We performed logistic regression to test for associations between 90-day mortality and explanatory variables. We performed a relative survival analysis to identify factors associated with short- and long-term survival.

Results

Among 237 octogenarian patients treated with major resections with curative intent, the 90-day mortality was 9.3%. Among 215 patients that survived the first 90 days, the 5 year relative survival rate was 98.7%. The 90-day mortality of octogenarian patients was significantly higher than that of younger patients, but the long-term survival converged with that of younger patients. Among octogenarian patients, the incidence of colon cancer more than doubled during our 37-year observation period. The relative increase in patients undergoing surgery exceeded the increase in incidence; hence, more patients were selected for surgery over time. A high 90-day mortality was associated with older age, a high American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score, and emergency surgery. Moreover, worse long-term survival was associated with a high Charlson Comorbidity Index, a high ASA score, a worse TNM stage, emergency surgery and residual tumours. Both the 90-day and long-term survival rates improved over time.

Conclusion

Among octogenarian patients with colon cancer that underwent major resections with curative intent, the 90-day mortality was high, but after surviving 90 days, the relative long-term survival rate was comparable to that of younger patients. Further improvements in survival will primarily require measures to reduce the 90-day mortality risk.

The Impact of Frailty Screening on Radiation Treatment Modification

BACKGROUND

Care overburden makes it difficult to perform comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGAs) in oncology settings. We analyzed if screening tools modified radiotherapy in oncogeriatric patients.

METHODS

Patients ≥ 65 years, irradiated between December 2020 and March 2021 at the Hospital Provincial de Castellón, completed the frailty G8 and estimated survival Charlson questionnaires. The cohort was stratified between G8 score ≤ 14 (fragile) or >14 (robust); the cutoff point for the Charlson index was established at five.

RESULTS

Of 161 patients; 69.4% were male, the median age was 75 years (range 65-91), and the prevailing performance status (PS) was 0-1 (83.1%). Overall, 28.7% of the cohort were frail based on G8 scores, while the estimated survival at 10 years was 2.25% based on the Charlson test. The treatment administered changed up to 21% after frailty analysis. The therapies prescribed were 5.8 times more likely to be modified in frail patients based on the G8 test. In addition, patients ≥ 85 years (p = 0.01), a PS ≥ 2 (p = 0.008), and limited mobility (p = 0.024) were also associated with a potential change.

CONCLUSIONS

CGAs remain the optimal assessment tool in oncogeriatry. However, we found that the G8 fragility screening test, which is easier to integrate into patient consultations, is a reliable and efficient aid to rapid decision making.

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Elderly Patients: Role of Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy

Simple Summary

The focus of this review deals with the management of elderly patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, discussing the role of clinical management, geriatric evaluation and therapeutic approaches (radiation therapy and systemic therapies).

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) constitute the sixth most common malignancy worldwide, with approximately 25–40% of the diagnosed patients older than 70 years. HNSCC patients are often frail and frequently have multiple comorbidities due to their unhealthy lifestyle, and evidence suggests that older patients may receive less aggressive and suboptimal treatment than younger patients with the same disease status. The aim of this review is to depict and summarize the evidence regarding the different strategies that can be used in the clinical management of elderly HNSCC patients. Key references were derived from a PubMed query. Hand searching and clinicaltrials.gov were also used. This paper contains a narrative report and a critical discussion of clinical approaches in the context of elderly HNSCC.

Factors to consider for surgical in elderly patients with oral cancer

At present, in Korea, due to developments in medicine and technology and an increasing mean lifespan, the expected lifetime for elderly people is increasing (at 70 years, the expected additional lifespan is 14.8 years for males and 18.3 years for females). However, among all causes of death, malignant neoplasm is ranked first for all ages. Further, the incidence rate of oral cancer tends to increase with age. Thus, oral and maxillofacial surgeons have increased opportunity to experience the ‘oldest old’ patients with oral cancer. Elderly patients commonly have several comorbidities, poor general condition, limited socioeconomic support, fear of various postoperative complications, and perception of short for the rest of their life. In this situation, the patient, caregiver, and surgeon often choose undergraded treatment rather than standard treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma owing to patient age. In elderly patients with oral cancer, ablation of tumor or reconstructive surgery is challenging for surgeons. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons must evaluate carefully the patient’s medical condition and make a decision regarding treatment plans after sufficient discussion with patient and caregivers. We review the literature to consider the factors involved for deciding on a treatment plan regarding surgery in elderly patients with oral cancer.

Feasibility and Efficiency of the BEFORE (Better Exercise and Food, Better Recovery) Prehabilitation Program

Prehabilitation has been postulated as an effective preventive intervention to reduce postoperative complications, particularly for elderly patients with a relatively high risk of complications. To date, it remains to be determined whether prehabilitation increases physical capacity and reduces postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a 4-week multimodal prehabilitation program consisting of a personalized, supervised training program and nutritional intervention with daily fresh protein-rich food for colorectal cancer patients aged over 64 years prior to surgery. The primary outcome was the feasibility of this prehabilitation program defined as ≥80% compliance with the exercise training program and nutritional intervention. The secondary outcomes were the organizational feasibility and acceptability of the prehabilitation program. A compliance rate of ≥80% to both the exercise and nutritional intervention was accomplished by 6 patients (66.7%). Attendance of ≥80% at all 12 training sessions was achieved by 7 patients (77.8%); all patients (100%) attended ≥80% of the available training sessions. Overall, compliance with the training was 91.7%. Six patients (66.7%) accomplished compliance of ≥80% with the nutritional program. The median protein intake was 1.2 (g/kg/d). No adverse events occurred. This multimodal prehabilitation program was feasible for the majority of patients.

Physical and Cognitive Function Assessment to Predict Postoperative Outcomes of Abdominal Surgery

BACKGROUND

Current evaluation methods to assess physical and cognitive function are limited and often not feasible in emergency settings. The upper-extremity function (UEF) test to assess physical and cognitive performance using wearable sensors. The purpose of this study was to examine the (1) relationship between preoperative UEF scores with in-hospital outcomes; and (2) association between postoperative UEF scores with 30-d adverse outcomes among adults undergoing emergent abdominal surgery.

METHODS

We performed an observational, longitudinal study among adults older than 40 y who presented with intra-abdominal symptoms. The UEF tests included a 20-sec rapid repetitive elbow flexion (physical function), and a 60-sec repetitive elbow flexion at a self-selected pace while counting backwards by threes (cognitive function), administered within 24-h of admission and within 24-h prior to discharge. Multiple logistic regression models assessed the association between UEF and outcomes. Each model consisted of the in-hospital or 30-d post-discharge outcome as the dependent variable, preoperative UEF physical and cognitive scores as hypothesis covariates, and age and sex as adjuster covariates.

RESULTS

Using UEF physical and cognitive scores to predict in-hospital outcomes, an area under curve (AUC) of 0.76 was achieved, which was 17% more sensitive when compared to age independently. For 30-d outcomes, the AUC increased to 0.89 when UEF physical and cognitive scores were included in the model with age and sex.

DISCUSSION

Sensor-based measures of physical and cognitive function enhance outcome prediction providing an objective practicable tool for risk stratification in emergency surgery settings among aging adults presenting with intra-abdominal symptoms.

The Role of Anesthesiologists in Perioperative Limitation of Potentially Life-Sustaining Medical Treatments: A Narrative Review and Perspective

No patient arrives at the hospital to undergo general anesthesia for its own sake. Anesthesiology is a symbiont specialty, with the primary mission of preventing physical and psychological pain, easing anxiety, and shepherding physiologic homeostasis so that other care may safely progress. For most elective surgeries, the patient-anesthesiologist relationship begins shortly before and ends after the immediate perioperative period. While this may tempt anesthesiologists to defer goals of care discussions to our surgical or primary care colleagues, we have both an ethical and a practical imperative to share this responsibility. Since the early 1990s, the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), and the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) have mandated a "required reconsideration" of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders. Key ethical considerations and guiding principles informing this "required reconsideration" have been extensively discussed in the literature and include respect for patient autonomy, beneficence, and nonmaleficence. In this article, we address how well these principles and guidelines are translated into daily clinical practice and how often anesthesiologists actually discuss goals of care or potential limitations to life-sustaining medical treatments (LSMTs) before administering anesthesia or sedation. Having done so, we review how often providers implement goal-concordant care, that is, care that reflects and adheres to the stated patient wishes. We conclude with describing several key gaps in the literature on goal-concordance of perioperative care for patients with limitations on LSMT and summarize novel strategies and promising efforts described in recent literature to improve goal-concordance of perioperative care.

Short-term outcomes in older patients with peritoneal malignancy treated with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC: Experience with 245 patients from a national centre

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is increasingly accepted as the optimal management of selected patients with peritoneal malignancy. There is limited published evidence on outcomes in older patients treated by this complex therapeutic strategy.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospective database of all patients who underwent CRS with HIPEC in a single institution over seven years. A comparative analysis of outcomes in patients under 65 undergoing CRS and HIPEC with patients ≥65 years was performed. The key endpoints were morbidity, mortality, reintervention rate and length of stay in the high dependency/intensive care (HDU/ICU) units.

RESULTS

Overall, 245 patients underwent CRS and HIPEC during the study period, with 76/245 (31%) ≥65 years at the time of intervention. Tumour burden measured by the peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) score was a median of 11 for both groups. Median length of hospital stay in the ≥65-year-old group was 14.5 days versus 13 days in the <65-year-old group (∗p = 0.01). Patients aged ≥65-years spent a median of one more day in the critical care unit ∗(p = 0.001). Significant morbidity (Clavien-Dindo ≥ Grade IIIa) was higher in the ≥65-year than the <65-year group (18.4% versus 11.2%). There were no perioperative deaths in the ≥65-year group.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates higher perioperative major morbidity in ≥65-year group, but with low mortality in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC for disseminated intraperitoneal malignancy. This increased morbidity does not translate into higher rates of re-interventions and highlights the importance of optimal patient selection.

Association of frailty with long-term homecare utilization in older adults following cancer surgery: Retrospective population-based cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Frailty is an important prognostic factor, and the association with postoperative dependence is important outcome to older adults. We examined the association of frailty with long-term homecare utilization for older adults following cancer surgery.

METHODS

In this population-based cohort study, we determined frailty status in all older adults (≥70 years old) undergoing cancer resection (2007-2017). Outcomes were receipt of homecare and intensity of homecare (days per month) over 5 years. We estimated the adjusted association of frailty with outcomes, and assessed interaction with age.

RESULTS

Of 82,037 patients, 6443 (7.8%) had frailty. Receipt and intensity of homecare was greater with frailty, but followed similar trajectories over 5 years between groups. Homecare receipt peaked in the first postoperative month (51.4% frailty, 43.1% no frailty), and plateaued by 1 year until 5 years (28.5% frailty, 12.8% no frailty). After 1 year, those with frailty required 4 more homecare days per month than without frailty (14 vs 10 days/month). After adjustment, frailty was associated with increased homecare receipt (hazard ratio 1.40; 95%CI 1.35-1.45), and increasing intensity each year (year 1 incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.22, 95%CI 1.18-1.27 to year 5 IRR 1.47, 95%CI 1.35-1.59). The magnitude of the association of frailty with homecare receipt decreased with age (p_interaction <0.001).

CONCLUSION

While the trajectory of homecare receipt and intensity is similar between those with and without frailty, frailty is associated with increased receipt of homecare and increased intensity of homecare after cancer surgery across all age groups.

Screening Tools for Identifying Older Adults With Cancer Who May Benefit From a Geriatric Assessment: A Systematic Review

Importance

Older adults with cancer are at risk of overtreatment or undertreatment when decision-making is based solely on chronological age. Although a geriatric assessment is recommended to inform care, the time and expertise required limit its feasibility for all patients. Screening tools offer the potential to identify those who will benefit most from a geriatric assessment. Consensus about the optimal tool to use is lacking.

Objective

To appraise the evidence on screening tools used for older adults with cancer and identify an optimal screening tool for older adults with cancer who may benefit from geriatric assessment.

Evidence Review

Systematic review of 4 databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL [Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature], and PubMed) with narrative synthesis from January 1, 2000, to March 14, 2019. Studies reporting on the diagnostic accuracy and use of validated screening tools to identify older adults with cancer who need a geriatric assessment were eligible for inclusion. Data were analyzed from March 14, 2019, to March 23, 2020.

Findings

Seventeen unique studies were included, reporting on the use of 12 screening tools. Most studies were prospective cohort studies (n = 11) with only 1 randomized clinical trial. Not all studies reported time taken to administer the screening tools. The Geriatric-8 (G8) (n = 12) and the Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13) (n = 9) were the most frequently evaluated screening tools. The G8 scored better in sensitivity and the VES-13 in specificity. Other screening tools evaluated include the Groningen Frailty Index, abbreviated comprehensive geriatric assessment, and Physical Performance Test in 2 studies each. All other screening tools were evaluated in 1 study each.

Conclusions and Relevance

To date, the G8 and VES-13 have the most evidence to recommend their use to inform the need for geriatric assessment. When choosing a screening tool, clinicians will need to weigh the tradeoffs between sensitivity and specificity. Future research needs to further validate or improve current screening tools and explore other factors that can influence their use, such as ease of use and resourcing.

Prediction of functional loss in emergency surgery is possible with a simple frailty screening tool

Background

Senior adults fear postoperative loss of independence the most, and this might represent an additional burden for families and society. The number of geriatric patients admitted to the emergency room requiring an urgent surgical treatment is rising, and the presence of frailty is the main risk factor for postoperative morbidity and functional decline. Frailty assessment in the busy emergency setting is challenging. The aim of this study is to verify the effectiveness of a very simple five-item frailty screening tool, the Flemish version of the Triage Risk Screening Tool (fTRST), in predicting functional loss after emergency surgery among senior adults who were found to be independent before surgery.

Methods

All consecutive individuals aged 70 years and older who were independent (activity of daily living (ADL) score ≥5) and were admitted to the emergency surgery unit with an urgent need for abdominal surgery between December 2015 and May 2016 were prospectively included in the study. On admission, individuals were screened using the fTRST and additional metrics such as the age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (CACI) and the ASA score. Thirty- and 90-day complications and postoperative decline in the ADL score where recorded. Regression analysis was performed to identify preoperative predictors of functional loss.

Results

Seventy-eight patients entered the study. Thirty-day mortality rate was 12.8% (10/78), and the 90-day overall mortality was 15.4% (12/78). One in every four patients (17/68) experienced a significant functional loss at 30-day follow-up. At 90-day follow-up, only 3/17 patients recovered, 2 patients died, and 12 remained permanently dependent. On the regression analysis, a statistically significant correlation with functional loss was found for fTRST, CACI, and age≥85 years old both at 30 and 90 days after surgery. fTRST≥2 showed the highest effectiveness in predicting functional loss at 90 days with AUC 72 and OR 6.93 (95% CI 1.71–28.05). The institutionalization rate with the need to discharge patients to a healthcare facility was 7.6% (5/66); all of them had a fTRST≥2.

Conclusion

fTRST is an easy and effective tool to predict the risk of a postoperative functional decline and nursing home admission in the emergency setting.

Predicting postoperative complications following mastectomy in the elderly: Evidence for the 5-factor frailty index

Understanding the risk factors that contribute to post-mastectomy complications can better inform preoperative discussions. Here, we assess the impact of the 5-Factor Frailty Index Score (mFI-5) in predicting 30-day postoperative complications in patients undergoing mastectomy. A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) data base was conducted for patients older than 65 undergoing mastectomy between 2010 and 2015. We assessed each patient's Frailty Index Score using the mFI-5. Primary outcomes included wound complications and overall complications. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were used to determine the ability of the mFI-5 to predict postoperative outcomes. A total of 13,783 patients were analyzed. The rate of wound complications was 3.0%, while the rate of overall complications was 6.0%. An mFI-5 score greater than 2 was an independent risk factor for wound complications and overall complications. Overall, patients undergoing mastectomy with an mFI-5 of 2 or greater experienced higher rates of postoperative complications. The mFI-5 is an accessible tool that can be used to risk-stratify patients undergoing mastectomy and can positively contribute to the informed consent and shared decision-making process.

Observational cohort study to determine the degree and causes of variation in the rate of surgery or primary endocrine therapy in older women with operable breast cancer

BACKGROUND

In the UK there is variation in the treatment of older women with breast cancer, with up to 40% receiving primary endocrine therapy (PET), which is associated with inferior survival. Case mix and patient choice may explain some variation in practice but clinician preference may also be important.

METHODS

A multicentre prospective cohort study of women aged >70 with operable breast cancer. Patient characteristics (health status, age, tumour characteristics, treatment allocation and decision-making preference) were analysed to identify whether treatment variation persisted following case-mix adjustment. Expected case-mix adjusted surgery rates were derived by logistic regression using the variables age, co-morbidity, tumour stage and grade. Concordance between patients' preferred and actual decision-making style was assessed and associations between age, treatment and decision-making style calculated.

RESULTS

Women (median age 77, range 70-102) were recruited from 56 UK breast units between 2013 and 2018. Of 2854/3369 eligible women with oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer, 2354 were treated with surgery and 500 with PET. Unadjusted surgery rates varied between hospitals, with 23/56 units falling outside the 95% confidence intervals on funnel plots. Adjusting for case mix reduced, but did not eliminate, this variation between hospitals (10/56 units had practice outside the 95% confidence intervals). Patients treated with PET had more patient-centred decisions compared to surgical patients (42.2% vs 28.4%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates variation in treatment selection thresholds for older women with breast cancer. Health stratified guidelines on thresholds for PET would help reduce variation, although patient preference should still be respected.

Considerations in Surgical Management of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Older Patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this manuscript is to present new and thought-provoking information related to the surgical care of older patients. We focused on four main areas including communication, surgical pathways, the care of emergency surgery patients, and functional recovery and quality of life. We sought to answer how these areas have evolved, affecting the care of older patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Older patients with cancer present particular challenges in relation to communication, goals, surgical treatment, and post-surgical outcomes. Communication should be clear early and during the treatment course. A multidisciplinary, multimodality, multi-phase pathway can be utilized to improve the postoperative outcomes of older patients with cancer. Functional recovery and quality of life can and should be measured in this population. Communication is complicated in cancer patients, which is made more complex with advancing age. Communication is the cornerstone of the treatment of older patients. Future research should focus on interventions to improve communication and measure quality of life and functional recovery metrics.

Association of Geriatric Events With Perioperative Outcomes After Elective Inpatient Surgery

BACKGROUND

Older adults undergoing surgery are at risk for geriatric events (GEs: delirium, dehydration, falls or fractures, failure to thrive, and pressure ulcers). The prevalence and association of GEs with clinical outcomes after elective surgery is unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the 2013-2014 National Inpatient Sample, we analyzed hospital admissions for the five most common elective procedures (total knee arthroplasty, right hemicolectomy, carotid endarterectomy, aortic valve replacement, and radical prostatectomy) in older adults (age ≥ 65). Our primary variable of interest was presence of any GE. Logistic regression estimated the association of GEs with (1) age group and (2) perioperative outcomes (mortality, postoperative complications, prolonged length of stay, and discharge to skilled nursing facility).

RESULTS

Of 1,255,120 admissions, 66.5% were aged ≥65. The overall rate of any GE was 2.4% and increased with age (55-64 y: 1.5%; 65-74: 2.2%; ≥75: 4.1%; P < 0.001). After adjustment, the probability of any GE increased with age (P < 0.001). Rates of GEs varied by procedure (P < 0.001). In comparison with admissions with no GEs, one or more GE was associated with higher probability of worse outcomes including mortality, postoperative complications, prolonged length of stay, and discharge to skilled nursing facility (all P < 0.001). In addition, there was a dose-dependent relationship between GEs and these poor perioperative outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

GEs are strongly associated with poor perioperative outcomes. Efforts should focus on mutable factors responsible for GEs to optimize surgical care for older adults.

Developing an electronic geriatric assessment to improve care of older adults with cancer receiving radiotherapy

Older adults make up a substantial proportion of patients diagnosed with cancer. Gaps in evidence of care for older adults with cancer leads to treatment heterogeneity and poor outcomes. Medical and Surgical Oncology clinics throughout the world are increasingly using Geriatric Assessment (GA) based approaches to treatment that are beginning to improve care through treatment decision-making communication, health-related quality of life outcomes, and reducing chemotherapy toxicities. Yet, GA based approaches are not often used in radiation oncology clinics. This manuscript aims to describe the ongoing development of an electronic patient-reported GA with real-time data interpretation and recommendation delivery to help increase the use of a personalized GA based approach to the care of older adults within radiation oncology clinics. Future studies demonstrating the utility and benefit of GA based approaches to help older adults undergoing radiotherapy for their cancers are still sorely needed.

Surgical oncology in the elderly

Poor cancer-specific outcomes in the elderly group are primarily a surgical failure. Surgeons are insufficiently trained to draw a line between fit and frail patients; this results in over-treatment of the frail patient, as well as under-treatment of the fit one. Communication skills should be improved to better understand the patient's requests. The timing of the surgical procedure is crucially important; all efforts should be put in place to optimize the patient's conditions before the surgery takes place.

Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI) score has the major impact on outcome prediction in elderly surgical patients with colorectal cancer: The FRAGIS study

BACKGROUND

This study aims (I) to evaluate whether the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI) score is associated with postoperative outcomes and (II) to develop a prognostic model for individual complication-risk prediction following colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery.

METHOD

This is a prospective multicentric cohort study. Consecutive ≥75-year-old candidates for elective CRC surgery were enrolled from October 2017 to August 2019. Patients underwent standardized preoperative geriatric assessment including the MPI. Patients with MPI score > 0.33 were classified as frail. Logistic regression models were employed to evaluate variables associated with major postoperative complications and mortality, using 10-fold cross-validated LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) for model selection.

RESULTS

In all, 104 patients were included, 34 (33%) had MPI score > 0.33. Major postoperative complications occurred in 52% of frail versus 16% of fit (MPI score ≤ 0.33) patients (p < .01). Both 30-day (9% vs. 0%; p = .033) and 90-day mortality (18% vs. 1%; p < .01) were higher among frail patients. In multivariate analysis, MPI score was associated with adverse outcomes. A final postoperative complication predictive model was created, including MPI score, gait-speed test, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiology) score, surgical approach, and stoma creation.

CONCLUSION

MPI score is strongly associated with postoperative major complications in CRC elderly patients and it is a primary component of an individual prediction model.

The impact of frailty in older women undergoing pelvic floor reconstructive surgery

IMPORTANCE AND OBJECTIVE

Women ≥ 65 years old commonly undergo pelvic surgery but are often not screened for coexisting frailty, the presence of which increases the risk of postoperative complications. In the absence of a current consensus, the objective of this review is to discuss the incorporation of a frailty assessment into the work-up of women undergoing pelvic floor reconstructive surgery.

METHODS

This is a review of the literature, focusing on measurements of frailty including the Edmonton Frail Scale, FRAIL scale, Groningen Frailty Indicator, frailty phenotype, Tilburg Frailty Indicator, a 70-item frailty index, Mini-Cog score, Charlson comorbidity index, timed up and go test, and life-space assessment. Their use in the perioperative management of older women undergoing pelvic floor reconstructive surgery will be discussed.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Understanding the concept of frailty and how it may affect surgical decisions and outcomes is essential. The timed up and go test, life space assessment and Mini-Cog assessment at a minimum should be considered preoperatively in patients over the age of 65 years old planning pelvic floor or elective surgery.

Treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the third most common gynecologic malignancy worldwide but accounts for the highest mortality rate among these cancers. A stepwise approach to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment is vital to appropriate management of this disease process. An integrated approach with gynecologic oncologists as well as medical oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists is of paramount importance to improving outcomes. Surgical cytoreduction to R0 is the mainstay of treatment, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Genetic testing for gene mutations that affect treatment is the standard of care for all women with epithelial ovarian cancer. Nearly all women will have a recurrence, and the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer continues to be nuanced and requires extensive review of up to date modalities that balance efficacy with the patient's quality of life. Maintenance therapy with poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors, bevacizumab, and/or drugs targeting homologous recombination deficiency is becoming more widely used in the treatment of ovarian cancer, and the advancement of immunotherapy is further revolutionizing treatment targets.

Care of the Geriatric Colorectal Surgical Patient and Framework for Creating a Geriatric Program: A Compendium From the 2019 American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Annual Meeting

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Symptom and functional recovery monitoring in thoracic surgery

Curative-intent surgery is the treatment of choice for thoracic malignancies, including lung cancer. There is significant complexity and uncertainty associated with the diagnosis, prognosis, and surgical treatment decision-making in thoracic surgery. From a patient point of view, this complexity and uncertainty can be overwhelming. Therefore, for high-quality cancer care, an emphasis on patient-centered care-including the improvement in quality of life (QOL) through symptom and functional monitoring-is essential. Using the current literature and our previous research, the purpose of this paper is to: (I) review the current evidence on symptom and functional monitoring in surgery; (II) describe strategies to monitor symptoms and functional recovery in surgery; and (III) describe a model of patient-centered care in thoracic surgery.

Primary treatment and relative survival by stage and age in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma: A population-based SweGCG study

OBJECTIVE

Vulvar cancer affects mainly elderly women and with an ageing population the incidence has increased. We explored the primary treatment patterns and relative survival of patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) by stage and age-group.

METHODS

A population-based nationwide study on women diagnosed with VSCC between 2012 and 2016 and registered in the Swedish Quality Registry for Gynecologic Cancer (SQRGC). Main outcome was 5-year relative survival (RS) estimated by the Pohar Perme method. The relative risk of excess mortality (EMRR) between different groups was analyzed by Poisson regression. The age-standardized relative survival (AS-RS) was estimated for the total cohort.

RESULTS

Median follow-up time was 41 months. The study population included 657 women; 33% were ≥ 80 years old. FIGO stage I was most common (55%). Primary surgery was performed in 96% stage I, 65% stage II, 80% stage III and 28% stage IV. In women ≥80 years, exploration of the groins and chemoradiotherapy was less often performed. They also received lower mean doses of radiation than younger women. The 5-year AS-RS was 74%. 5-year RS was 84% for stage I, 60% for stage II, 54% for stage III and 35% for stage IV. The EMRR for women ≥80 years compared with women <60 years was 4.3 (p < 0.001); 4.9 (p < 0.001) for stages I-II and 3.5(p = 0.007) for stage III.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, primary treatment of patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma in Sweden adhered to guidelines. Areas of improvement include treatment for stage II and for the very old.

Genetic cancer predisposition syndromes among older adults

Earlier age at onset is one characteristic of hereditary cancer syndromes, so most studies of genetic testing have focused on young patients with cancer. However, recent studies of multigene panel tests in unselected cancer populations have detected a considerable proportion of older patients with germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in cancer susceptibility genes. As the number of older patients with cancer continues to rise, clinicians should be aware of genetic/genomic cancer risk assessment (GCRA) criteria in both young and older adults. Identifying individuals with a germline PV in a cancer susceptibility gene may be important for precision therapy of current cancers and screening and prevention of new primary cancers, as well as cascade testing to identify high cancer risks for family members. Typically, hereditary predisposition germline genetic testing has been recommended for patients with early onset cancers and/or a family history of cancer. However, more recently international guidelines recommend testing for potential therapeutic intervention regardless of age for some tumors frequently seen in older patients, such as epithelial ovarian, pancreatic, and metastatic prostate and breast cancers. GCRA in older patients may present challenges including: clonal hematopoiesis (CH) confounding test interpretation, ethical aspects (autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence), patient health status, comorbidities, as well as lack of insurance coverage. These factors should be considered during genetic counseling and when considering cancer screening and risk reduction procedures. This manuscript reviews available data on common hereditary cancer syndromes in older patients and provides tools to help providers perform GCRA in this population.

Geriatric Assessment, Not ASA Physical Status, Is Associated With 6-Month Postoperative Survival in Patients With Cancer Aged ≥75 Years

BACKGROUND

The American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA PS) classification system is the most common method of assessing preoperative functional status. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) has been proposed as a supplementary tool for preoperative assessment of older adults. The goal of this study was to assess the correlation between ASA classification and CGA deficits among oncogeriatric patients and to determine the association of each with 6-month survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Oncogeriatric patients (aged ≥75 years) who underwent preoperative CGA in an outpatient geriatric clinic at a single tertiary comprehensive cancer center were identified. All patients underwent surgery, with a hospital length of stay (LOS) ≥1 day and at least 6 months of follow-up. ASA classifications were obtained from preoperative anesthesiology notes. Preoperative CGA scores ranged from 0 to 13. Six-month survival was assessed using the Social Security Death Index.

RESULTS

In total, 81 of the 980 patients (8.3%) included in the study cohort died within 6 months of surgery. Most patients were classified as ASA PS III (85.4%). The mean number of CGA deficits for patients with PS II was 4.03, PS III was 5.15, and PS IV was 6.95 (P<.001). ASA classification was significantly associated with age, preoperative albumin level, hospital LOS, and 30-day intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. On multivariable analysis, 6-month mortality was associated with number of CGA deficits (odds ratio [OR], 1.14 per each unit increase in CGA score; P=.01), 30-day ICU admissions (OR, 2.77; P=.003), hospital LOS (OR, 1.03; P=.02), and preoperative albumin level (OR, 0.36; P=.004). ASA classification was not associated with 6-month mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Number of CGA deficits was strongly associated with 6-month mortality; ASA classification was not. Preoperative CGA elicits critical information that can be used to enhance the prediction of postoperative outcomes among older patients with cancer.

Does Preoperative Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and Frailty Predict Postoperative Complications?

BACKGROUND

The influence of preoperative comprehensive geriatric assessment and frailty on postoperative morbidity, mortality, delirium were examined.

METHODS

A total of 108 patients were evaluated. The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), the Lawton Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL), the Mini-Nutrition Assessment test (MNA), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were performed. Fried Criteria were used to assess physical frailty. We used the Physiological and Operative Severity Scores for the Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity score (POSSUM), the American Society of Anesthesiologists Score (ASA), and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to determine the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Assessment Test for Delirium (4AT) was applied for detection of delirium.

RESULTS

The median age was 71 years (min-max: 65-84). IADL (p = 0.032), MNA (p = 0.01), MMSE scores (p = 0.026) were found to be significantly lower in patients with morbidity. POSSUM physiology score (p = 0.005), operative score (p = 0.015) and CCI (p = 0.029) were significantly higher in the patients with morbidity. Patients developed morbidity were found to be more frail (p < 0.001). The patients with delirium were found to have lower IADL (p = 0.049) and MMSE scores (p = 0.004), higher POSSUM physiology score (p = 0.005) and all of them were frail. It was found that frailty (OR = 23.695 95% CI: 6.912-81.231 p < 0.001), POSSUM operative score (OR:1.118 95% CI: 1.021-1.224 p = 0.016) and preoperative systolic blood pressure (OR:0.937%95 CI: 0.879-0.999 p = 0.048) were independently related factors for postoperative morbidity.

CONCLUSION

In our study, CGA and frailty in preoperative period were found to be indicators for postoperative morbidity and delirium.

Relationship of the pre-operative comprehensive geriatric assessment to length of stay in Korean older adults undergoing spinal surgery

BACKGROUND

Although pre-operative, Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment has been used widely, its impact on the health status of older adults has not been fully examined.

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between subcomponents of a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and length of hospital stay in older adults undergoing spinal surgery.

METHODS

Participants were 133 older adults in neurosurgical department. The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment included nutrition, physical activity, functional status, cognition, depression, the Timed Up and Go test, self-rated health, and frailty. Length of stay was replaced by excessive number of days, because expected length of stay varied depending on the type of surgery.

RESULTS

Excessive lengths of stay were associated with pre-frailty (p = 0.02), frailty (p = 0.02), risk of depression (p < 0.01), and post-operative complications (p < 0.01). More specifically, frailty and risk of depression played as moderators as interacting post-operative complications. The effect of interaction was greatest in the older adults who were frail and depressed (p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Among the subcomponent of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, frailty and depression were significant predictors of excessive length of stay. The interrelationship between frailty and depression better explained excessive length of stay rather than considered as individual variable.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians are encouraged to pay attention to depression and frailty, and its interaction to improve the health status of surgical elderly patients.

Risk prediction models for postoperative outcomes of colorectal cancer surgery in the older population - a systematic review

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of patients with Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is 65 years or older. We aimed to systematically review existing clinical prediction models for postoperative outcomes of CRC surgery, study their performance in older patients and assess their potential for preoperative decision making.

METHODS

A systematic search in Pubmed and Embase for original studies of clinical prediction models for outcomes of CRC surgery. Bias and relevance for preoperative decision making with older patients were assessed using the CHARMS guidelines.

RESULTS

26 prediction models from 25 publications were included. The average age of included patients ranged from 61 to 76. Two models were exclusively developed for 65 and older. Common outcomes were mortality (n = 10), anastomotic leakage (n = 7) and surgical site infections (n = 3). No prediction models for quality of life or physical functioning were identified. Age, gender and ASA score were common predictors; 12 studies included intraoperative predictors. For the majority of the models, bias for model development and performance was considered moderate to high.

CONCLUSIONS

Prediction models are available that address mortality and surgical complications after CRC surgery. Most models suffer from methodological limitations, and their performance for older patients is uncertain. Models that contain intraoperative predictors are of limited use for preoperative decision making. Future research should address the predictive value of geriatric characteristics to improve the performance of prediction models for older patients.

Construction of the secondary care administrative records frailty (SCARF) index and validation on older women with operable invasive breast cancer in England and Wales: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Studies that use national datasets to evaluate the management of older women with breast cancer are often constrained by a lack of information on patient fitness. This study constructed a frailty index for use with secondary care administrative records and evaluated its ability to improve models of treatment patterns and overall survival in women with breast cancer.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Women aged ≥50 years with oestrogen receptor (ER) positive early invasive breast cancer diagnosed between 2014 and 2017 in England.

METHODS

The secondary care administrative records frailty (SCARF) index was based on the cumulative deficit model of frailty, using International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Injuries and Causes of Death, 10th revision codes to define a set of deficits. The index was applied to administrative records that were linked to national cancer registry datasets. The ability of the SCARF index to improve the performance of regression models to explain observed variation in the rate of surgery and overall survival was evaluated using Harrell's c-statistic and decision curve analysis. External validation was performed on a dataset of similar women diagnosed in Wales.

RESULTS

The SCARF index captured 32 deficits that cover functional impairment, geriatric syndromes, problems with nutrition, cognition and mood, and medical comorbidities. In the English dataset (n=67 925), the prevalence of frailty in women aged 50-69, 70-79 and ≥80 years was 15%, 28% and 47%, respectively. Adding a frailty measure to regression models containing age, tumour characteristics and comorbidity improved their ability to: (1) discriminate between whether a woman was likely to have surgery and (2) predict overall survival. Similar results were obtained when the models were applied to the Welsh cohort (n=4 230).

CONCLUSION

The SCARF index provides a simple and consistent method to identify frailty in population level data and could help describe differences in breast cancer treatments and outcomes.

Long-Term Survival and Risk of Institutionalization in Onco-Geriatric Surgical Patients: Long-Term Results of the PREOP Study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate long-term survival and institutionalization in onco-geriatric surgical patients, and to analyze the association between these outcomes and a preoperative risk score.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study with long-term follow-up.

SETTING

International and multicenter locations.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged 70 years or older undergoing elective surgery for a malignant solid tumor at five centers (n = 229).

MEASUREMENTS

We assessed long-term survival and institutionalization using the Preoperative Risk Estimation for Onco-geriatric Patients (PREOP) score, developed to predict the 30-day risk of major complications. The PREOP score collected data about sex, type of surgery, and the American Society for Anesthesiologists classification, as well as the Timed Up & Go test and the Nutritional Risk Screening results. An overall score higher than 8 was considered abnormal.

RESULTS

We included 149 women and 80 men (median age = 76 y; interquartile range = 8). Survival at 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively was 84%, 77%, and 56%, respectively. Moreover, survival at 1 year was worse for patients with a PREOP risk score higher than 8 (70%) compared with 8 or lower (91%). Of those alive at 1 year, 43 (26%) were institutionalized, and by 2 years, almost half of the entire cohort (46%) were institutionalized or had died. A PREOP risk score higher than 8 was associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7-4.0), irrespective of stage and age, but not with being institutionalized (odds ratios = 1 y, 1.6 [95% CI = .7-3.8]; 2 y, 2.2 [95% CI = .9-5.5]).

CONCLUSION

A high PREOP score is associated with mortality but not with remaining independent. Despite acceptable survival rates, physical function may deteriorate after surgery. It is imperative to discuss treatment goals and expectations preoperatively to determine if they are feasible. Using the PREOP risk score can provide an objective measure on which to base decisions. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1235-1241, 2020.

Comprehensive geriatric assessment is correlated to overall survival among gynaecologic oncology patients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation of comprehensive geriatric assessment to overall survival among older gynaecologic oncology patients.

METHODS

Between 2011 and 2017, patients >70 years had geriatric assessment before treatment. Geriatric assessment included the following tests: Old American resource and services, instrumental activities of daily living, modified Barthels index, mini-mental state examination, geriatric depression scale, mini-nutritional assessment, risk of falling and medication use. Overall survival was calculated for patients' groups below and above median tests scores. Univariate as well as multivariate analysis was done to evaluate the association between each variable and survival.

RESULTS

About 120 patients had geriatric assessment. Mean patients' age was 76.4 ± 5. A total of 78 Patients had ovarian cancer, 16 uterine cancer, 17 cervical cancer and 9 had other gynaecologic malignancies. No correlation was found between age, BMI (body mass index) and cancer type to overall survival. Patients with scores below cut-off values of modified Barthels index, instrumental activities of daily living, mini-nutritional assessment and mini-nutritional assessment had significantly shorter overall survival (P = 0.004, 0.031, 0.046 and 0.004, respectively). This remained significant in both univariate and multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Gynaecologic oncology patients with lower geriatric assessment scores have significantly lower overall survival, irrespective of cancer type. Geriatric assessment tests allow objective assessment of older patients with worst prognosis before treatment planning.

Hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery in the elderly: Current status

Hepato-pancreatico-biliary (HPB) surgery includes major hepatic resection and pancreatic surgery, both procedures are complex and have a potentially high complication rate. The presence of centers of excellence with a high patients volume has lowered the complication and increased the resection rate. Increased life expectancy and improved general health status have increased the number of elderly patients eligible for major surgery. Since old patients have more co-morbidities and decreased life expectancy, the benefit of these procedures need to be critically evaluated in this group. Analysis of the literature related to this argument demonstrated that pancreatoduodenectomy can be performed safely in selected elderly patients (70 years of age or older), with morbidity and mortality rates comparable those observed in younger patients. This aspect was also confirmed by cost analysis studies that reported similar data in both groups. Similar findings are also reported for major hepatic resection in elderly patients with either hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Klatskin tumor or gallbladder carcinoma. More studies are needed regarding the subgroup of very elderly patients (80 years or older). Nevertheless, those elderly patients who will benefit from surgery must be adequatelly selected.