Moving beyond Karnofsky and ECOG Performance Status Assessments with New Technologies

The Association Between an Electronic Health Record (EHR)-Embedded Frailty Index and Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Patients with Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer on Immunotherapy: A Brief Report

Background: While frailty is a well-established predictor of overall mortality among patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC), its association with patient-reported outcomes is not well-characterized. The goal of this study was to examine the association between an electronic frailty index (eFI) score and patient-reported outcome measures along with prognostic awareness among patients with mNSCLC receiving immunotherapy. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, patients with mNSCLC who were on immunotherapy completed the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC-QLQ-C30) and the National Cancer Institute Patient Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE). We utilized bivariate analyses to compare quality of life, symptoms, supportive services, and prognostic awareness among 3 groups defined by e-frailty status. Results: Sixty patients (mean age 62.5 years, 75% Caucasian, 60% women) participated. Most patients were pre-frail (68%), with 13% being frail and 18% non-frail. Pre-frail and frail patients had significantly lower physical function scores (mean 83.9 fit vs 74.8 pre-frail vs 60.0 frail, P = .04) and higher rates of self-reported pain (75% frail vs 41.5% pre-frail vs 18.2% fit; P = .04) compared to non-frail patients. We found no differences in palliative referral rates. Conclusion: Pre-frail and frail mNSCLC patients identified by the eFI have higher rates of pain and physical functional impairments than non-frail patients. These findings highlight the importance of emphasizing preventive interventions targeting social needs, functional limitations, and pain management, especially among pre-frail patients to reduce further decline.

Assessment of Outcomes by Intention-to-Treat Comparison for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Population-Derived Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The overall treatment response among patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is poorly understood as most studies report solely on resected patients. We aimed to investigate the outcomes in patients with LAPC as an intention-to-treat-analysis from the time of diagnosis from a complete source population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An observational cohort study in a population-defined region within a universal healthcare system. All consecutive patients discussed at multi-disciplinary tumour board (MDT), aged ≥ 18 years and diagnosed with LAPC were included. Exposure was set as recommended treatment by MDT (i.e. upfront surgery, neoadjuvant therapy, palliative treatment or best supportive care). Outcome measures were overall survival analysed by Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and multivariable analyses using logistic regression for odds ratios (OR) and Cox proportional hazard analysis for hazard ratios (HR).

RESULTS

In total, 8803 MDT events (6055 unique patients) with pancreatic disease were held during the study period. Some 1436 (24%) had pancreatic cancer, of which 162 (11%) had LAPC and 134 met the population-defined criteria. In overall survival analyses, the patients who were recommended neoadjuvant therapy (± surgery) demonstrated no significant difference to palliative chemotherapy (median 11.0 months vs. 11.8 months; p = 0.226). In multivariable analysis, adjusted OR for overall survival comparing the treatment groups was 0.27 (95% CI 0.02-3.29, p = 0.306) and Cox proportional HR 0.96 (95% CI 0.58-1.59, p = 0.865).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with LAPC, survival was not statistically different between those recommended for attempt at neoadjuvant (± surgery) compared with those recommended palliative chemotherapy. The findings suggest that conversion/downstaging chemotherapy is successful in only a select few.

Geriatric assessment for the practicing clinician: The why, what, and how

Older adults with cancer heterogeneously experience health care, treatment, and symptoms. Geriatric assessment (GA) offers a comprehensive evaluation of an older individual's health status and can predict cancer-related outcomes in individuals with solid tumors and those with hematologic malignancies. In the last decade, randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the benefits of GA and GA management (GAM), which uses GA information to provide tailored intervention strategies to address GA impairments (e.g., implementing physical therapy for impaired physical function). Multiple phase 3 clinical trials in older adults with solid tumors and hematologic malignancies have demonstrated that GAM improves treatment completion, quality of life, communication, and advance care planning while reducing treatment-related toxicity, falls, and polypharmacy. Nonetheless, implementation and uptake of GAM remain challenging. Various strategies have been proposed, including the use of GA screening tools, to identify patients most likely to benefit from GAM, the systematic engagement of the oncology workforce in the delivery of GAM, and the integration of technologies like telemedicine and mobile health to enhance the availability of GA and GAM interventions. Health inequities in minoritized groups persist, and systematic GA implementation has the potential to capture social determinants of health that are relevant to equitable care. Caregivers play an important role in cancer care and experience burden themselves. GA can guide dyadic supportive care interventions, ultimately helping both patients and caregivers achieve optimal health.

A Novel Frailty Index Can Predict the Short-Term Outcomes of Esophagectomy in Older Patients with Esophageal Cancer

Background: Frailty, rather than age, is associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. We sought to determine whether preoperative frailty as defined by a novel scoring system could predict the outcomes among older patients undergoing esophagectomy. Methods: We identified patients 65 years or older who underwent esophagectomy between 2011 and 2021 at our institution. Frailty was assessed using the MSK-FI, which consists of 1 component related to functional status and 10 medical comorbidities. We used a multivariable logistic regression model to test for the associations between frailty and short-term outcomes, with continuous frailty score as the predictor and additionally adjusted for age and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status. Results: In total, 447 patients were included in the analysis (median age of 71 years [interquartile range, 68-75]). Most of the patients underwent neoadjuvant treatment (81%), an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (86%), and minimally invasive surgery (55%). A total of 22 patients (4.9%) died within 90 days of surgery, 144 (32%) had a major complication, 81 (19%) were readmitted, and 31 (7.2%) were discharged to a facility. Of the patients who died within 90 days, 19 had a major complication, yielding a failure-to-rescue rate of 13%. The risk of 30-day major complications (OR, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.09-1.41]; p = 0.001), readmissions (OR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.13-1.52]; p < 0.001), and discharge to a facility (OR, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.49-2.37]; p < 0.001) increased with increasing frailty. Frailty and 90-day mortality were not associated. Conclusions: Frailty assessment during surgery decision-making can identify patients with a high risk of morbidity.

Decreased Bed Mobility Function Is Associated With Postdischarge Mortality for Cancer Patients in Inpatient Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE

The establishment of rehabilitation goals for hospitalized cancer patients depends on accurate medical prognosis and matching goals to clinical timelines. Current tools for estimating prognosis are limited. We hypothesized that bed mobility is a predictor of mortality in cancer patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation.

DESIGN

In a retrospective cohort of 187 subjects with nonneurologic cancer admitted to inpatient rehabilitation, Functional Independence Measure scores and 6-mo mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

In the cohort, survival rate was 71% at 6 mos. In univariate analysis, discharge bed mobility score (odds ratio = 0.75, 95% confidence interval = 0.61-0.90, P = 0.003), bed mobility Functional Independence Measure gain (odds ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval = 0.51-0.85, P = 0.002), and bed mobility Functional Independence Measure efficiency (odds ratio = 0.011, 95% confidence interval = 0.00032-0.21, P = 0.006) were inversely associated with 6-mo mortality after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation facility. In multivariate analysis with additional motor Functional Independence Measure items, only bed mobility (odds ratio = 0.73, 95% confidence interval = 0.54-0.97, P = 0.029) and grooming (odds ratio = 0.79, 95% confidence interval = 0.63-0.99, P = 0.041) were independently associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower discharge and lower change in bed mobility Functional Independence Measure scores are associated with mortality in cancer patients in inpatient rehabilitation. Bed mobility could serve as a clinical tool for estimating medical prognosis in hospitalized cancer patients and should be validated in prospective studies.

The acceptability of using wearable electronic devices to monitor physical activity of patients with Multiple Myeloma undergoing treatment: a systematic review

Introduction

Multiple myeloma (MM) is diagnosed in 6,000 people in the UK yearly. A performance status measure, based on the patients' reported level of physical activity, is used to assess patients' fitness for treatment. This systematic review aims to explore the current evidence for the acceptability of using wearable devices in patients treated for MM to measure physical activity directly.

Methods

Three databases were searched (MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL) up until 7th September 2023. Prospective studies using wearable devices to monitor physical activity in patients on treatment for MM were included. Bias across the studies was assessed using the CASP tool.

Results

Nine studies, with 220 patients on treatment for MM, were included. Only two studies had a low risk of bias. Different wearable device brands were used for varying lengths of time and were worn on either the wrist, upper arm, or chest. Adherence, reported in seven studies, ranged from 50% to 90%. Six studies reported an adherence greater than 75%. Although physical activity was also measured in a heterogenous manner, most studies reported reduced physical activity during treatment, associated with a higher symptom burden.

Conclusion

Monitoring patients receiving treatment for MM with a wearable device appears acceptable as an objective measure to evaluate physical activity. Due to the heterogeneity of the methods used, the generalisability of the results is limited. Future studies should explore the data collected prospectively and their ability to predict relevant clinical outcomes.

Blood Cancer Network Ireland (BCNI) and National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) collaboration: challenges and utility of an Enhanced Blood Cancer Outcomes Registry (EBCOR) pilot

BACKGROUND

The Blood Cancer Network Ireland and National Cancer Registry Ireland worked to create an Enhanced Blood Cancer Outcomes Registry (EBCOR). Enhanced data in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) included an extensive data dictionary, bespoke software and longitudinal follow-up.

AIMS

To demonstrate the utility of the database, we applied the data to examine a clinically relevant question: Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) usefulness in predicting AML patients' survival.

METHODS

A software designer and consultant haematologists in Cork University Hospital worked together to standardise a data dictionary, train registrars and populate a database. One hundred and forty-one AML patients underwent enhanced data registration. Comorbidities identified by chart review were used to examine the capability of the CCI and age at diagnosis to predict mortality using Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox regression and receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS

In regression analysis, a dose-response relationship was observed; patients in the highest CCI tertile displayed a greater risk (HR = 4.90; 95% CI 2.79-8.63) of mortality compared to subjects in tertile 2 (HR = 2.74; 95% CI 1.64-4.57) and tertile 1 (reference). This relationship was attenuated in an analysis which adjusted for age at diagnosis. The area under the curve (AUC) for the CCI was 0.76 (95% CI 0.68-0.84) while the AUC for age at diagnosis was 0.84 (95% CI 0.78-0.90).

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that the CCI provides no additional prognostic information beyond that obtained from age alone at AML diagnosis and that an EBCOR can provide a rich database for cancer outcomes research, including predictive models and resource allocation.

A nationwide neurosurgical inter-disciplinary service for cancer-related refractory pain

PURPOSE

Neurosurgical ablative procedures, such as cordotomy and cingulotomy, are often considered irreversible and destructive but can provide an effective and individualized solution for cancer-related refractory pain, when all other approaches have been unsuccessful. This paper provides an in-depth exploration of a novel approach to managing refractory cancer pain. It involves an interdisciplinary team led by a neurosurgeon at a renowned national referral center.

METHODS

a retrospective analysis of the medical records of all sequential patients who underwent their initial evaluation at our interdisciplinary refractory cancer pain clinic from February 2017 to January 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 207 patients were examined in the clinic for a first visit during the study period. All patients were referred to the clinic due to severe pain that was deemed refractory by the referring physician. The mean age was 61 ± 12.3 years, with no significant sex difference (P = 0.58). The mean ECOG Performance Status score was 2.35. Conservative measures had not yet been exhausted in 28 patients (14%) and 9 patients were well controlled (4%). Neurosurgical ablative procedures were recommended for 151 (73%) of the patients. Sixty-six patients (32%) eventually underwent the procedure. 91 patients (44%) received a negative recommendation for surgery. Thirty-five patients (17%) were referred for further invasive procedures at the pain clinic.

CONCLUSION

An Interdisciplinary cooperation between palliative care specialists, pain specialists, and neurosurgeons ensures optimal patient selection and provides safe and effective neurosurgery for the treatment of refractory cancer-related pain.

Assessment of Mobility Trajectories Using Wearable Inertial Sensors During Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplant

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to characterize mobility patterns using wearable inertial sensors and serial assessment across autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (autoHCT) and investigate the relation between mobility and perceived function in patients with hematologic cancer.

DESIGN

Prospective longitudinal study.

SETTING

Hospital adult transplant clinic followed by discharge.

PARTICIPANTS

78 patients with hematological cancer receiving autoHCT.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Mobility was measured across 3 clinical phases (pretransplant, pre-engraftment, and post-engraftment) in using inertial sensors worn during prescribed performance tests in the hospital. Perceived function was assessed using validated provider-reported (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG] Performance Status Scale) and patient-reported [European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire [EORTC QLQ-C30]) measures. Trajectories of 5 selected mobility characteristics (turn duration, gait speed, stride time variability, double support time, and heel strike angle) across the clinical phases were also evaluated using piecewise linear mixed-effects models.

RESULTS

Using Principal Components Analysis, 4 mobility patterns were identified pretransplant: Gait Limitation, Sagittal Sway, Coronal Sway, and Balance Control. Gait Limitation measured pretransplant was significantly inversely associated with perceived function reported by the provider- (β = -0.11; 95% CI: -0.19, -0.02) and patient- (β = -4.85; 95% CI: -7.72, -1.99) post-engraftment in age-adjusted linear regression models. Mobility characteristics demonstrated immediate declines early pre-engraftment with stabilization by late pre-engraftment.

CONCLUSION

Patients with hematological cancer experiencing gait limitations pretransplant are likely to have worse perceived function post-engraftment. Mobility declines in early phases post-transplant and may not fully recover, indicating an opportunity for timely rehabilitation referrals. Wearable inertial sensors can be used to identify early mobility problems and patients who may be at risk for future functional decline who may be candidates for early physical rehabilitation.

Patient's self-reported quality of life as a prognostic factor in metastatic renal cell carcinoma initially treated with TKI: nomogram proposal

BACKGROUND

Numerous prognostic factors have been described for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). There are nomograms to assist in clinical decision-making and inform patients of their disease progression. However, they have a limited capacity and moderate concordance rates. Performance status (PS) is one of the most widely used prognostic factors and most closely related to overall survival (OS), but this is a subjective assessment based solely on the clinician's opinion. Patients must be at the center of care. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have shown benefits but are not widespread in daily clinical practice.

METHODS

We analyzed 78 consecutive patients diagnosed with mRCC who initiated treatment at our institution between September 2012 and September 2019. We performed a descriptive analysis of the sample's baseline characteristics and the NCCN FKSI 19 questionnaire. We also conducted a survival analysis.

RESULTS

The baseline FKSI 19 score demonstrates its prognostic potential, HR of 0.94 (95% CI 0.92-0.97). Our prognostic model would include: FKSI < 58 (HR 3.61 95% CI 1.97-6.61), anemia, thrombocytosis, non-clear cell histology, and metastatic hepatic involvement. AUC 0.86 (95%CI 0.77-0.95).

CONCLUSION

Although it would need external validation, the proposed nomogram could be an alternative to other previously described models. The NCCN FKSI 19 baseline score could replace the clinician's subjective determination of PS.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Validation of the Spanish translation Sheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral for Care (SPARC-Sp) at the Hospital Universitario San Jose of Popayan, Colombia

OBJECTIVES

We determined the validity and reliability of the Spanish translation Sheffield Profile for Assessment and Referral for Care (SPARC-Sp) questionnaire to identify the palliative care (PC) needs of patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Colombia.

METHODS

We developed a cross-sectional observational study of scale assessment in adults with the aim of determining the validity and reliability of the SPARC-Sp questionnaire to identify the PC needs of patients with NCDs receiving outpatient or inpatient care at the Hospital Universitario San Jose of Popayan - ESE, Colombia, from 2021 to 2022.

RESULTS

We applied a questionnaire consisting of demographic, clinical data, and SPARC-Sp to 507 participants. The constructed model explained 75% of the variance with an adequate fit according to the root mean square residual (0.03), the comparative fit index (0.98), and acceptable reliability (McDonald's total omega 0.4-0.9). Opportunities for improvement are the reformulation and inclusion of particular words to improve the representativeness and clarity of the domains of communication and information, religious, and spiritual issues.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS

This research represents the first validation of SPARC in Spanish. SPARC-Sp is an instrument that allows initiating a conversation of the patient's main needs through a systematic assessment of the patients' main needs. Its psychometric validation demonstrated good fit and acceptable reliability.

Associations between performance-based and patient-reported physical functioning and real-world mobile sensor metrics in older cancer survivors: A pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Older cancer survivors are at increased risk for impaired physical functioning, but current assessments of function are difficult to implement in busy oncology clinics. Mobile devices measuring continuous activity and mobility in daily life may be useful for estimating physical functioning. The goal of this pilot study was to examine the associations between consumer wearable device (a wrist-worn activity tracker) and smartphone sensor data and commonly used clinical measures of physical function in cancer survivors aged 65 and older.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Older adults within five years of completing primary treatment for any cancer completed standardized questionnaires and performance-based tests to measure physical functioning. Continuous passive data from smartphones and consumer wearable devices were collected for four weeks and linked to patient-reported and performance-based physical functioning as well as patient-reported falls or near falls at the end of the four-week monitoring period. To examine associations between sensor variables and physical functioning, we conducted bivariate Pearson correlations as well as multivariable linear regression analyses. To examine associations between sensor variables and falls, we conducted exploratory receiver operating characteristic curve and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

We enrolled 40 participants (mean age 73 years old, range 65-83; 98% White; 50% female). In bivariate analyses, consumer wearable device features reflecting greater amount and speed and lower fragmentation of walking in daily life were significantly related to better patient-reported function (r= 0.43-0.65) and performance-based physical function (r = 0.56-0.72), while smartphone features reflecting more geographic mobility were related to better performance-based physical function (r = 0.40-0.42) but not patient-reported function. After adjusting for age and comorbidities, only consumer wearable device features remained associated with performance-based physical functioning. In exploratory analyses, peak gait cadence was associated with fall risk even after covariate adjustment.

DISCUSSION

This study provides preliminary evidence that real-world data from consumer devices may be useful for estimating functional performance among older cancer survivors and potentially for remotely and longitudinally monitoring functioning in older patients during and after cancer treatment.

Integration of on-treatment modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) to improve imaging-based prediction of outcomes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer on immune checkpoint inhibition

INTRODUCTION

A large number of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) achieve stable disease (SD) as the best overall response, which is associated with heterogeneous outcomes. In this context, complementary biomarkers that improve outcome prediction are needed. We have recently demonstrated that measuring the on-treatment modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), which is based on the two serum markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin, can improve outcome prediction complementary to radiological staging in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. However, this concept has not been assessed for patients with NSCLC on ICI.

METHODS

We assessed the prognostic and predictive value of on-treatment mGPS at week six in patients with NSCLC treated with atezolizumab or docetaxel in the phase 3 OAK trial (NCT02008227) comprising n = 750 patients and validated the findings in the phase 2 BIRCH (NCT02031458, n = 560).

RESULTS

On-treatment mGPS assessed at week six demonstrated valuable prognostic information (Hazard Ratio (HR) for mGPS low-risk vs intermediate risk 2.34 (95 % CI 1.76-3.11, p < 0.001) and vs high risk 3.56, (95 % CI 2.57-4.91, p < 0.001) in the atezolizumab-treated subgroup. On-treatment mGPS predicted overall survival more accurately than imaging using RECIST criteria (concordance index: on-treatment mGPS 0.646 (95 % CI 0.615-0.677) vs RECIST 0.606 (95 % CI 0.575-0.637)). On-treatment mGPS provides additional prognostic information to imaging-assessed treatment response at first staging, especially for the patient subgroup with SD. These findings were validated in the BIRCH trial.

CONCLUSIONS

We highlight the novel concept of integrating on-treatment mGPS for improved outcome prediction in conjunction with radiological imaging for patients with NSCLC on ICI.

To treat or not to treat: Assessing the role of anti-enterococcal therapy for intra-abdominal infections in patients with cancer

The clinical significance of enterococci in intra-abdominal infections, particularly those caused by multiple organisms, remains unclear. There are no definitive guidelines regarding the use of empiric therapy with antimicrobial agents targeting enterococci. In this study, we evaluated the impact of the initial antimicrobial therapy administration of anti-enterococcal agents on the treatment of intra-abdominal infections in patients with cancer in whom enterococci were isolated from ascitic fluid cultures. This retrospective study was conducted at Shizuoka Cancer Center between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2020, on all adult patients with cancer with enterococci in their ascitic fluid cultures. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcomes were composite outcomes consisting of three components (mortality, recurrence, and treatment failure) and the risk factors associated with all-cause mortality and composite outcomes. In total, 103 patients were included: 61 received treatment covering enterococci, and 42 did not. The mortality rates did not differ significantly between the treated and untreated groups (treated: 8/61 [13.1%]; untreated: 5/42 [11.9%]; p = 1.00). Additionally, no significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of composite outcomes (treated group: 11/61 [18.0%]; untreated group: 9/42 [21.4%]; p = 0.80). Multivariate analysis showed that performance status (PS2-4; p < 0.0001) was an independent risk factor for mortality. The composite outcome was also significantly higher for PS2-4 (p = 0.007). Anti-enterococcal treatment was not associated with mortality or the composite outcome. In patients with cancer and intra-abdominal infections caused by enterococci, anti-enterococcal therapy was not associated with prognosis, whereas PS2 or higher was associated with prognosis. The results of this study suggest that the initial routine administration of anti-enterococcal agents for intra-abdominal infections may not be essential for all patients with cancer. To substantiate these findings, validation by a prospective randomized trial is warranted.

Support needs of carers of cancer patients and the effects of the patient's age and cancer type on their needs

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate support needs of carers of cancer patients and the effects of the patient's age and cancer type on their needs.

METHODS

In this descriptive and comparative study, the data were collected from the carers (n = 120) of the patient admitted to inpatient and outpatient clinics of a university hospital between June 2021 and October 2022. Patient identification form, carer identification form, and Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) were used for data collection. The comparisons of the support needs were done for the carers according to the patient's age (<65 versus ≥65 years) and cancer type (hematological malignancies versus solid tumors).

RESULTS

Caring duration (19.78 ± 29.64 vs 10.33 ± 18.77 months) and caring hours per week (47.58 ± 26.90 vs 32.75 ± 25.75 h) were high in those caring for older adults. Carers of older adults need more support in providing personal care for their relatives (eg dressing, washing, toileting) (X2 = 8.000, p = 0.005). Carers of patients with hematological malignancies need more support in understanding their relative's illness (X2 = 6.136, p = 0.013), having time themselves in the day (X2 = 4.089, p = 0.043), managing their relative's symptoms, including giving medicines? (X2 = 5.263, p = 0.022), and their beliefs or spiritual concerns (X2 = 4.728, p = 0.030) compared to the carers of the patients with solid tumors.

CONCLUSION

The support needs of the carers vary depending on the patient's age and cancer type. Carers of older adults and patients with hematological malignancies need more support.

Development and Validation of an Auricular Acupuncture Protocol for the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients

Auricular acupuncture (AA) has been used to manage chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). However, the application of the technique varies widely among the clinical trials that test its effectiveness. The aim of the present study was to develop and clinically validate an AA protocol for the management of CINV in cancer patients. This study was carried out in two stages: (1) development of the AA protocol for the management of CINV and (2) clinical validation of the protocol. The content validity of the protocol was determined by a panel of specialists, with an agreement rate ranging from 85.7% to 100%. In the clinical validation, when administered to cancer patients, the protocol developed has been shown to reduce the incidence, frequency, severity, and length of nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy, as well as the severity of nausea and anticipatory nausea following chemotherapy. This protocol needs to be tested in future studies, including a pilot study with a sham group and a randomized clinical trial, in order to further evaluate its feasibility, acceptability, safety, and clinical usefulness for the management of CINV.

Assessing patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and patient-related outcomes in randomized cancer clinical trials for older adults: Results of DATECAN-ELDERLY initiative

As older adults with cancer are underrepresented in randomized clinical trials (RCT), there is limited evidence on which to rely for treatment decisions for this population. Commonly used RCT endpoints for the assessment of treatment efficacy are more often tumor-centered (e.g., progression-free survival). These endpoints may not be as relevant for the older patients who present more often with comorbidities, non-cancer-related deaths, and treatment toxicity. Moreover, their expectation and preferences are likely to differ from younger adults. The DATECAN-ELDERLY initiative combines a broad expertise, in geriatric oncology and clinical research, with interest in cancer RCT that include older patients with cancer. In order to guide researchers and clinicians coordinating cancer RCT involving older patients with cancer, the experts reviewed the literature on relevant domains to assess using patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and patient-related outcomes, as well as available tools related to these domains. Domains considered relevant by the panel of experts when assessing treatment efficacy in RCT for older patients with cancer included functional autonomy, cognition, depression and nutrition. These were based on published guidelines from international societies and from regulatory authorities as well as minimum datasets recommended to collect in RCT including older adults with cancer. In addition, health-related quality of life, patients' symptoms, and satisfaction were also considered by the panel. With regards to tools for the assessment of these domains, we highlighted that each tool has its own strengths and limitations, and very few had been validated in older adults with cancer. Further studies are thus needed to validate these tools in this specific population and define the minimum clinically important difference to use when developing RCTs in this population. The selection of the most relevant tool should thus be guided by the RCT research question, together with the specific properties of the tool.

A proposed multi-domain, digital model for capturing functional status and health-related quality of life in oncology

Whereas traditional oncology clinical trial endpoints remain key for assessing novel treatments, capturing patients' functional status is increasingly recognized as an important aspect for supporting clinical decisions and assessing outcomes in clinical trials. Existing functional status assessments suffer from various limitations, some of which may be addressed by adopting digital health technologies (DHTs) as a means of collecting both objective and self-reported outcomes. In this mini-review, we propose a device-agnostic multi-domain model for oncology capturing functional status, which includes physical activity data, vital signs, sleep variables, and measures related to health-related quality of life enabled by connected digital tools. By using DHTs for all aspects of data collection, our proposed model allows for high-resolution measurement of objective data as patients navigate their daily lives outside of the hospital setting. This is complemented by electronic questionnaires administered at intervals appropriate for each instrument. Preliminary testing and practical considerations to address before adoption are also discussed. Finally, we highlight multi-institutional pre-competitive collaborations as a means of successfully transitioning the proposed digitally enabled data collection model from feasibility studies to interventional trials and care management.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Wound Revision after Surgical Treatment of Spinal Metastasis: A National Population-Based Study in South Korea

Wound complications are commonly seen after surgeries for metastatic spine tumors. While numerous studies have pinpointed various risk factors, there is ongoing debate. Therefore, this study aimed to verify various factors that are still under debate utilizing the comprehensive Korean National Health Insurance Service database. We identified and retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 3001 patients who underwent one of five surgical treatments (corpectomy, decompression and instrumentation, instrumentation only, decompression only, and vertebroplasty) for newly diagnosed spinal metastasis between 2009 and 2017. A Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors. A total of 197 cases (6.6%) of wound revision were found. Only the surgical method and Charlson comorbidity index were significantly different between the group that underwent wound revision and the group that did not. Regarding surgical methods, the adjusted hazard ratios for decompression only, corpectomy, instrumentation and decompression, and instrumentation only were 1.3, 2.2, 2.2, and 2.4, with these ratios being compared to the vertebroplasty group (p for trend = 0.02). In this regard, based on a sizable South Korean cohort, both surgical methods and medical comorbidity were found to be associated with the wound revision rate among spinal surgery patients for spinal metastasis.

Targeted treatments after chemoradiotherapy failure in a patient with relapsed, advanced non‑small cell lung cancer with on‑therapy circulating tumor biomarker monitoring: A case report

Ongoing investigations of targeted therapeutic agents and their increased clinical applications, together with research in genomics and proteomics, have explored a variety of novel approaches for treatment of lung cancer, and 'molecular subtypes' have been defined based on specific actionable genetic aberrations. Liquid biopsies, including circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing, are of value for cancer diagnosis and comprehensive genomic profiling, such as the identification of cancer subtypes and major genetic alterations in cancer cells. The case of a 66-year-old male patient with newly-diagnosed driver mutation-negative advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent conventional therapy is described in the present report. The patient underwent regular monitoring, including continuous ctDNA analysis, imaging and assessment of tumor marker levels such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The patient initially presented with deep vein thrombosis which affected both lower extremities and without any symptoms in the lung, with a positron emission tomography scan identifying irregular pulmonary nodules in the right lower lobe and enlarged right supraclavicular lymph nodes. Subsequent ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration with nodule biopsy indicated advanced unresectable disease at stage IIIB based on the Tumor-Node-Metastasis staging system by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. Next-generation sequencing of tumor tissue and peripheral blood confirmed driver mutation-negative genes, including epidermal growth factor receptor, rat sarcoma, ALK receptor tyrosine kinase, ROS1 proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase and rearrangement during transfection (RET). After 5 years of chemoradiotherapy and surveillance of ctDNA and CEA levels, detectable kinesin family member 5B (KIF5B)-RET fusion in ctDNA and rising CEA levels prompted early scans, which identified disease progression. The patient subsequently received the oral RET inhibitor pralsetinib, with treatment being currently ongoing for ≥17 months without detectable KIF5B-RET ctDNA or elevated CEA levels, with an ongoing minor response and stable disease based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1 on imaging. The present case illustrates the potential role of on-therapy circulating tumor biomarker monitoring as a non-traumatic method to evaluate therapy response and detect early disease progression in patients with advanced NSCLC. Integration of circulating tumor biomarker testing into the management of patients with advanced NSCLC requires additional prospective studies to actively assess and elucidate optimal treatment strategies.

Data-Driven Personalized Care in Lung Cancer: Scoping Review and Clinical Recommendations on Performance Status and Activity Level of Patients With Lung Cancer Using Wearable Devices

PURPOSE

Performance status (PS) is a crucial assessment for research and clinical practice in lung cancer (LC), including its usage for the assessment of the suitability and toxicity of treatment or eligibility for clinical trials of patients with LC. These PS assessments are subjective and lead to substantial discrepancies between observers. To improve the objectivity of PS assessments, Electronic Activity Monitoring devices (EAMs) are increasingly used in oncology, but how these devices are used for PS assessments in LC is an issue that remains unclear. The goal of this study is to address the challenges and opportunities of the use of digital tools to support PS assessments in patients with LC.

METHODS

The literature review followed PRISMA-ScR methodology. Searches were performed in the ScienceDirect, PsycInfo, ACM, IEEE Xplore, and PubMed databases. Furthermore, a panel discussion was performed to address the clinical use cases.

RESULTS

Thirty-two publications were found. Most of the studies used wrist accelerometry-based wearables (59%) and monitored sleep activity (SA; 28%) or physical activity (PA; 72%). Critical findings include positive usefulness of the use of wearables to categorize moderate-to-vigorous/light PA, which was associated with better sleep and health. In addition, steps and time awake immobile were found to be associated with risk of hospitalization and survival. Use cases identified included the health assessment of patients and clinical research.

CONCLUSION

There are positive experiences in the use of EAM to complement PS assessment in LC. However, there is a need for adapting thresholds to the particularities of patients with LC, for example, differentiating moderate-to-vigorous and light. Moreover, developing methodologies combining PS assessments and the use of EAM adapted to clinical and research practice is needed.

Measuring What Is Meaningful in Cancer Cachexia Clinical Trials: A Path Forward With Digital Measures of Real-World Physical Behavior

PURPOSE

The burden of cancer cachexia on patients' health-related quality of life, specifically their physical functioning, is well documented, but clinical trials thus far have failed to show meaningful improvement in physical functioning. The purpose of this review is to summarize existing methods of assessing physical function in cancer cachexia, outline a path forward for measuring what is meaningful to patients using digital measures derived from digital health technologies (DHTs), and discuss the current landscape of digital measures from the clinical and regulatory standpoint.

DESIGN

For this narrative review, peer-reviewed articles were searched on PubMed, clinical trials records were searched on clinicaltrials.gov, and records of digital measures submitted for regulatory qualification were searched on the US Food and Drug Administration's Drug Development Tool Qualification Program database.

RESULTS

There are gaps in assessing aspects of physical function that matter to patients. Existing assessment methods such as patient-reported outcomes and objective performance outcomes have limitations, including their episodic nature and burden to patients. DHTs such as wearable sensors can capture real-world physical behavior continuously, passively, and remotely, and may provide a more comprehensive picture of patients' everyday functioning. Recent regulatory submissions showcase potential clinical implementation of digital measures in various therapeutic areas.

CONCLUSION

Digital measures of real-world physical behavior present an opportunity to detect and demonstrate improvements in physical functioning in cancer cachexia, but evidence-based development is critical. For their use in clinical and regulatory decision making, studies demonstrating meaningfulness to patients as well as feasibility and validation are necessary.

Outcomes in octogenarians following elective colorectal cancer surgery

Background

Colorectal surgery in octogenarians is increasing in prevalence and good surgical outcomes have been demonstrated. However, functional status and independence remain the main patient consideration with limited data on the long-term functional outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted for all patients aged above 80 undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) from January 2018 to December 2019. Functional status assessment was made as part of pre- and post-operative allied health clinic appointments. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance scores were recorded. Loss of independence (LOI) was defined as the reduced capacity to perform pre-morbid activities of daily living (ADL) and requiring increased supports.

Results

Forty-one patients aged 80 years or older had elective CRC resections with a median follow-up of 15 months [interquartile range (IQR): 8-20]. The median American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score was 3 and 90.2% (37/41) of patients had an ECOG score of 0 or 1. There was no 30-day mortality and 2 (4.9%) deaths occurred within 1 year. The median Clavien-Dindo score was 1, and 2 patients (4.9%) required unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. Twelve re-hospitalizations occurred with falls being the most common reason. LOI occurred in only 2 patients (4.9%) and on multivariate regression analysis, age and pre-morbid requirement of gait aids were predictive of LOI (P=0.042 and P=0.003, respectively). Gait aids were also associated with higher Clavien-Dindo scores (P=0.057) and increased length of stay (LOS) (P=0.009).

Conclusions

Patients with advanced age undergoing surgery for CRC surgery can still have good post-operative outcomes and adequate functional recovery with pre-operative optimization and appropriate post-operative supports.

Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of oncology trainees on function and cancer rehabilitation medicine

BACKGROUND

Improved function is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Cancer rehabilitation medicine (CRM) is a subspecialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) that focuses on improving function in patients with cancer. One of the barriers to patients accessing CRM services is the lack of referrals from oncology providers. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of oncology trainees regarding the importance of function and the role of CRM is essential to reducing educational gaps and improving patients' access to essential rehabilitation services.

OBJECTIVE

To determine oncology trainees' knowledge, attitude and beliefs about the importance of function and the role of CRM in the care of patients with cancer.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a comprehensive cancer center in the United States.

INTERVENTION

Descriptive survey study was administered to postgraduate oncology trainees who spent at least 1 day a week providing patient care.

MAIN OUTCOME

Participants' report of their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs on the importance of function and CRM in the care of patients with cancer.

RESULTS

The survey was sent to 197 oncology trainees with a response rate of 67% (n = 132) and 126 were ultimately included. All participants believed that function is important in the care of patients with cancer. The majority believed that better function improves treatment tolerance (94%) and survival (84%). Most reported that having CRM physicians (80%) and an inpatient rehabilitation unit (88%) in the oncological setting is important; however, most participants reported that they refer fewer than 25% of their patients to CRM services. Participants with prior exposure to PM&R were significantly more likely to consult PM&R compared to those without exposure (p = .005). Most oncology trainees (81%) believed that education in CRM should be part of their oncology training.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that oncology trainees believe that function is important. They also believe that access to CRM would improve treatment tolerance and survival, but most report that they rarely refer patients to CRM services. Most trainees desire increased exposure to CRM during oncology training.

Health Outcomes with Curative and Palliative Therapies in Real World: Role of the Quality of Life Summary Score in Thoracic Oncology Patients

BACKGROUND

For patients receiving therapy with curative or palliative intent for a thoracic malignancy, prediction of quality of life (QOL), once therapy starts, remains challenging. The role of health assessments by the patient instead of the doctor herein remains ill-defined.

AIMS

To assess the evolution of QOL in patients with thoracic malignancies treated with curative and palliative intent, respectively. To identify factors that determine QOL one year after the start of cancer therapy. To identify factors that affect survival.

METHODS

We prospectively included consecutive patients with a thoracic malignancy who were starting anti-cancer therapy and measured QOL with QLQ-C30 before the start of therapy, and thereafter at regular intervals for up to 12 months. A multivariate regression analysis of the global health score (GHS) and QOL summary scores (QSS) one year after the start of therapy was conducted. A proportional hazards Cox regression was conducted to investigate the effects of case-mix variables on survival.

RESULTS

Of 587 new patients, 375 started different forms of therapy. Most had non-small cell lung cancer (n = 298), 35 had small cell lung cancer, and 42 had other thoracic malignancies or were diagnosed on imaging alone. There were 203 who went for a curative intent and 172 for a palliative intent strategy. The WHO score of 0-1 was more prevalent in the former group (p = 0.02), and comorbidities were equally distributed. At baseline, all QOL indices were better in the curative group (p < 0.05). The curative group was characterized by a significant worsening of GHS and QSS (p < 0.05). The palliative group was characterized by an improvement in GHS and emotional health (p < 0.05), while other dimensions of functioning remained stable. GHS at 12 months was estimated in a multivariate linear regression model (R2 = 0.23-p < 0.001) based on baseline GHS, QSS, and comorbidity burden. QSS at 12 months was estimated (R2 = 0.31-p < 0.001) by baseline QSS and therapeutic intent strategy (curative vs. palliative). The prognostic factors for overall survival were the type of therapy (curative vs. palliative intent, p < 0.001) and occurrence of early toxicity-related hospitalization (grade ≥ 3, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients with thoracic malignancies treated with curative intent experience a worsening of their QOL in the first year, whereas those receiving palliative anti-cancer therapy do not. QOL one year after the start of therapy depends on the baseline health scores as determined by the patient, comorbidity burden, and therapeutic strategy. Survival depends on therapeutic strategy and early hospitalization due to toxicity.

Is the ECOG-PS similar to the sarcopenia status for predicting mortality in older adults with cancer? A prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Sarcopenia is a muscle dysfunction that increases negative outcomes in patients with cancer. However, its diagnosis remains uncommon in clinical practice. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) is a questionnaire to assess the functional status, but it is unknown if is comparable with sarcopenia. We aimed at comparing ECOG-PS with sarcopenia to predict 12-month mortality in patients with cancer.

METHODS

Cohort study including older adult patients with cancer in treatment (any stage of the disease or treatment) at a reference hospital for oncological care. Socio-demographic, clinical, and anthropometric data, muscle mass, and physical function variables (handgrip strength [HGS] and gait speed [GS]) were collected. Skeletal muscle quantity and quality were assessed by computed tomography at the L3. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the EWGSP2. ECOG-PS and all-cause mortality were evaluated. The Cox proportional hazards model was calculated.

RESULTS

We evaluated 159 patients (69 years old, 55% males). Low performance (ECOG-PS ≥ 2) was found in 23.3%, 35.8% presented sarcopenia, and 22.0% severe sarcopenia. ECOG-PS ≥ 2 was not an independent predictor of mortality. Sarcopenia, severe sarcopenia, and probable sarcopenia has increased by 3.25 (confidence interval, CI 95% 1.55-6.80), 2.64 (CI 95% 1.23-5.67), and 2.81 (CI 95% 1.30-6.07) times the risk of mortality, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia, but not ECOG-PS, was a predictor of mortality. Therefore, ECOG-PS was not similar to sarcopenia to predict mortality in patients with cancer.

An evaluation of cancer aging research group (CARG) score to predict chemotherapy toxicity in older Iranian patients with cancer

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the Cancer Aging Research Group (CARG) in Iranian patients as a representative of the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region population.

Methods

This prospective longitudinal study involved patients 65 years and older starting a new cytotoxic chemotherapy regimen. We did general (including Karnofsky performance status, KPS) and CARG-based assessments before chemotherapy. Chemotherapy toxicities were recorded during chemotherapy courses. The predictive values of CARG and KPS were evaluated using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC). Chemotherapy toxicities were sub-analyzed per hematologic and nonhematologic types.

Results

Chemotherapy-related toxicity was reported in 23.6 % of patients. The corresponding area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) was 0.56 (95 %CI, 0.40–0.69) for total toxicity, 0.67 (95 % CI, 0.48–0.78) for hematologic toxicity, and 0.39 (95 %CI, 0.21–0.66) for nonhematologic toxicity.

Conclusions

CARG model had an acceptable ability to predict hematologic toxicities; however, its efficacy for total and nonhematologic toxicities was limited.

Impact of treatment intensity on infectious complications in patients with acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND

Infectious complications reflect a major challenge in the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Both induction chemotherapy and epigenetic treatment with hypomethylating agents (HMA) are associated with severe infections, while neutropenia represents a common risk factor. Here, 220 consecutive and newly diagnosed AML patients were analyzed with respect to infectious complications dependent on treatment intensity and antifungal prophylaxis applied to these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 220 patients with newly diagnosed AML at a tertiary care hospital between August 2016 and December 2020. The median age of AML patients undergoing induction chemotherapy (n = 102) was 61 years (25-76 years). Patients receiving palliative AML treatment (n = 118) had a median age of 75 years (53-91 years). We assessed the occurrence of infectious complication including the classification of pulmonary invasive fungal disease (IFD) according to the EORTC/MSG criteria at diagnosis and until day 100 after initiation of AML treatment. Furthermore, admission to intensive care unit (ICU) and subsequent outcome was analyzed for both groups of AML patients, respectively.

RESULTS

AML patients subsequently allocated to palliative AML treatment have a significantly higher risk of pneumonia at diagnosis compared to patients undergoing induction chemotherapy (37.3% vs. 13.7%, P < 0.001) including a higher probability of atypical pneumonia (22.0% vs. 10.8%, P = 0.026). Furthermore, urinary tract infections are more frequent in the palliative subgroup at the time of AML diagnosis (5.1% vs. 0%, P = 0.021). Surprisingly, the incidence of pulmonary IFD is significantly lower after initiation of palliative AML treatment compared to the occurrence after induction chemotherapy (8.4% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.001) despite only few patients of the palliative treatment group received Aspergillus spp.-directed antifungal prophylaxis. The overall risk for infectious complications at AML diagnosis is significantly higher for palliative AML patients at diagnosis while patients undergoing induction chemotherapy have a significantly higher risk of infections after initiation of AML treatment. In addition, there is a strong correlation between the occurrence of pneumonia including atypical pneumonia and pulmonary IFD and the ECOG performance status at diagnosis in the palliative AML patient group. Analysis of intensive care unit (ICU) treatment (e.g. in case of sepsis or pneumonia) for both subgroups reveals a positive outcome in 10 of 15 patients (66.7%) with palliative AML treatment and in 15 of 18 patients (83.3%) receiving induction chemotherapy. Importantly, the presence of infections and the ECOG performance status at diagnosis significantly correlate with the overall survival (OS) of palliative AML patients (315 days w/o infection vs. 69 days with infection, P 0.0049 and 353 days for ECOG < 1 vs. 50 days for ECOG > 2, P < 0.001, respectively) in this intent-to-treat analysis.

CONCLUSION

The risk and the pattern of infectious complications at diagnosis and after initiation of AML therapy depends on age, ECOG performance status and subsequent treatment intensity. A comprehensive diagnostic work-up for identification of pulmonary IFD is indispensable for effective treatment of pneumonia in AML patients. The presence of infectious complications at diagnosis contributes to an inferior outcome in elderly AML patients.

Impact of Sarcopenia on Survival in Patients Treated with FOLFIRINOX in a First-Line Setting for Metastatic Pancreatic Carcinoma

Sarcopenia, defined as decreased muscle mass and strength, can be evaluated by a computed tomography (CT) examination and might be associated with reduced survival in patients with carcinoma. The prognosis of patients with metastatic pancreatic carcinoma is poor. The FOLFIRINOX (a combination of 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin) chemotherapy regimen is a validated first-line treatment option. We investigated the impact of sarcopenia on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with metastatic pancreatic carcinoma. Clinical data and CT examinations of patients treated with FOLFIRINOX were retrospectively reviewed. Sarcopenia was estimated using baseline CT examinations. Seventy-five patients were included. Forty-three (57.3%) were classified as sarcopenic. The median OS of non-sarcopenic and sarcopenic patients were 15.6 and 14.1 months, respectively (p = 0.36). The median PFS was 10.3 in non-sarcopenic patients and 9.3 in sarcopenic patients (p = 0.83). No differences in toxicity of FOLFIRINOX were observed. There was a trend towards a higher probability of short-term death (within 4 months of diagnosis) in sarcopenic patients. In this study, the detection of sarcopenia failed to predict a longer OS or PFS in selected patients deemed eligible by a physician for triplet chemotherapy and receiving the FOLFIRINOX regimen in a first-line setting, confirming the major importance of a comprehensive patient assessment by physicians in selecting the best treatment option.

Machine Learning Models Using Routinely Collected Clinical Data Offer Robust and Interpretable Predictions of 90-Day Unplanned Acute Care Use for Cancer Immunotherapy Patients

PURPOSE

Clinical management of patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) could be informed using accurate predictive tools to identify patients at risk of short-term acute care utilization (ACU). We used routinely collected data to develop and assess machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict unplanned ACU within 90 days of ICI treatment initiation.

METHODS

We used aggregated electronic health record data from 7,960 patients receiving ICI treatments to train and assess eight ML algorithms. We developed the models using pre-SARS-COV-19 COVID-19 data generated between January 2016 and February 2020. We validated our algorithms using data collected between March 2020 and June 2022 (peri-COVID-19 sample). We assessed performance using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC), sensitivity, specificity, and calibration plots. We derived intuitive explanations of predictions using variable importance and Shapley additive explanation analyses. We assessed the marginal performance of ML models compared with that of univariate and multivariate logistic regression (LR) models.

RESULTS

Most algorithms significantly outperformed the univariate and multivariate LR models. The extreme gradient boosting trees (XGBT) algorithm demonstrated the best overall performance (AUROC, 0.70; sensitivity, 0.53; specificity, 0.74) on the peri-COVID-19 sample. The algorithm performance was stable across both pre- and peri-COVID-19 samples, as well as ICI regimen and cancer groups. Type of ICI agents, oxygen saturation, diastolic blood pressure, albumin level, platelet count, immature granulocytes, absolute monocyte, chloride level, red cell distribution width, and alcohol intake were the top 10 key predictors used by the XGBT algorithm.

CONCLUSION

Machine learning algorithms trained using routinely collected data outperformed traditional statistical models when predicting 90-day ACU. The XGBT algorithm has the potential to identify high-ACU risk patients and enable preventive interventions to avoid ACU.

The association between wearable device metrics and clinical outcomes in oncology: a systematic review with evidence synthesis and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The emerging study of wearable devices (WDs) in patients with cancer provides opportunities to harness real-time patient data for predicting clinical outcomes. We conducted a systematic review with best evidence synthesis to examine the association between WD metrics and clinical outcomes in patients with cancer.

METHODS

MEDLINE and Embase were searched from inception until June 2022. Risk of bias assessment and best evidence synthesis were performed and, If possible, meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 34 studies was included. We found moderate-to-strong evidence for associations between circadian rest-activity metrics and OS. Disrupted I<O was associated with increased hazard for death (HR 2.08; 95 %CI: 1.50-2.88). For most associations there was insufficient evidence due to lack of studies (n = 32) or inconsistent results (n = 14).

CONCLUSION

Meta-analysis was greatly hampered due to heterogeneity and different methodology used between studies. Studies primarily designed to investigate the association between WD metrics and clinical outcomes are warranted.

Management of adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic tail in the elderly

INTRODUCTION

Elderly patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head can achieve reasonable survival with multimodal therapy. An analysis specific to cancers of the pancreatic tail has not been published.

METHODS

We identified patients ≥65 years with localized adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic tail in the National Cancer Database (2011-2017). Patients were grouped by age (65-79 and ≥80 years) and categorized by treatment regimen. Postoperative outcomes and survival were analyzed using propensity score matching and multivariable logistical regression.

RESULTS

2168 patients were included: 73.9% were 65-79 years and 26.1% were ≥80 years. 34.1% of octogenarians did not receive any treatment, relative to 15.9% of younger patients (p < 0.001). Thirty-day mortality rates were similar in operatively managed patients; however, the 90-day mortality rate among octogenarians was greater (3.0% vs. 7.8%, p < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] = 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07-3.19). Age ≥ 80 was not associated with survival on multivariable hazards regression (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.95-1.24). After propensity matching, the addition of chemotherapy was not associated with improved survival relative to distal pancreatectomy alone among octogenarians (HR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.72-1.65).

CONCLUSIONS

Management of adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic tail varies based on patient age. Resection appears to play a key role in management, but there is substantial upfront risk. Shared decision making should be employed to balance the chance for long-term survival with the risk of early mortality.

Preoperative frailty assessment in older patients with colorectal cancer: use of clinical and radiological tool

PURPOSE

The Memorial Sloan Kattering Frailty Index (MSK-FI) and the Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) have recently gained attention as markers of frailty and decreased physiologic reserve, and are promising as predictors of adverse postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing oncologic surgery. The objective of this study was to establish the prognostic accuracy of these indexes in a cohort of patients with colorectal cancer subjected to surgical intervention.

METHODS

We performed an observational study including all patients older than 60 years, subjected to colorectal cancer surgery between January 2010 and May 2020, and stratified our cohort based on the presence of frailty, as defined by MSK-FI ≥ 3. Computed tomography was used to calculate SMI, using a standardized institutional protocol. A multivariable analysis was used to study the association between these novel indexes with adverse postoperative outcomes in our cohort.

RESULTS

A total of 216 patients were included. Among these, 56 (26%) qualified as frail and 132 (62%) had a low SMI. On multivariable analysis (adjusted by patient and intraoperative characteristics), frailty was associated with increased risk of having a major postoperative complication (OR 29.78, 95%CI 10.36-85.71) and increased admission to the intensive care unit (OR 4.99, 95%CI 1.55-16.06), while both frailty and low SMI were associated with prolonged length of stay (OR 11.22, 95%CI 8.91-13.53 and OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.06-0.20, respectively).

CONCLUSION

MSK-FI ≥ 3 and low SMI are associated with adverse postoperative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. Implementing this practical tool in routine clinical practice, may help identify patients that would benefit from surgical prehabilitation and preoperative optimization to improve outcomes.

Objective Measurements of Physical Function to Predict Survival in Patients with Metastatic Cancer

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Physician-reported performance status (PS) constitutes the established method for stratifying oncologic patients in therapeutic decision-making. Objective measurements of physical function may further refine prognostication.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

In this prospective observational study, 103 patients with metastatic cancer who were referred for systemic therapy initiation were evaluated. PS was evaluated using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) and five objective physical function measurements (handgrip strength [HGS], chair stand test [CST], timed up and go [TUG] test, 4-m gait speed [GS] test, and short physical performance battery [SPPB] test). Overall survival and treatment complications were recorded from the medical records.

RESULTS

Patients with low PS according to ECOG-PS (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.84, 7.80), HGS (HR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.24, 4.55), SPPB (HR: 3.43, 95% CI: 1.55, 7.57), GS (HR: 3.03, 95% CI: 1.44, 6.38), and TUG (HR: 5.16, 95% CI: 2.19, 12.14) had shorter overall survival after adjustment for sex, age, symptomatology, comorbidity, percentage of weight loss, and tumor localization.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the studied objective physical function measurements, HGS, SPPB, GS, and TUG were independent predictors of survival in a sample of patients with metastatic cancer, with TUG showing the highest effect size.

Effect of Perioperative Blood Transfusions and Infectious Complications on Inflammatory Activation and Long-Term Survival Following Gastric Cancer Resection

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of perioperative blood transfusion and infectious complications on postoperative changes of inflammatory markers, as well as on disease-free survival (DFS) in patients undergoing curative gastric cancer resection. Methods: Multicenter cohort study in all patients undergoing gastric cancer resection with curative intent. Patients were classified into four groups based on their perioperative course: one, no blood transfusion and no infectious complication; two, blood transfusion; three, infectious complication; four, both transfusion and infectious complication. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was determined at diagnosis, immediately before surgery, and 10 days after surgery. A multivariate Cox regression model was used to analyze the relationship of perioperative group and dynamic changes of NLR with disease-free survival. Results: 282 patients were included, 181 in group one, 23 in group two, 55 in group three, and 23 in group four. Postoperative NLR changes showed progressive increase in the four groups. Univariate analysis showed that NLR change > 2.6 had a significant association with DFS (HR 1.55; 95% CI 1.06−2.26; p = 0.025), which was maintained in multivariate analysis (HR 1.67; 95% CI 1.14−2.46; p = 0.009). Perioperative classification was an independent predictor of DFS, with a progressive difference from group one: group two, HR 0.80 (95% CI: 0.40−1.61; p = 0.540); group three, HR 1.42 (95% CI: 0.88−2.30; p = 0.148), group four, HR 2.85 (95% CI: 1.64−4.95; p = 0.046). Conclusions: Combination of perioperative blood transfusion and infectious complications following gastric cancer surgery was related to greater NLR increase and poorer DFS. These findings suggest that perioperative blood transfusion and infectious complications may have a synergic effect creating a pro-inflammatory activation that favors tumor recurrence.

Exploring the Potential Use of Wearable Devices as a Prognostic Tool among Patients in Hospice Care

Background: Smartphones and wearable devices have become a part and parcel of the healthcare industry. The use of wearable technology has already proved its potentials in improving healthcare research, clinical work, and patient care. The real time data allows the care providers to monitor the patients' symptoms remotely, prioritize the patients' visits, assist in decision-making, and carry out advanced care planning. Objectives: The primary objective of our study was to investigate the potential use of wearable devices as a prognosis tool among patients in hospice care and palliative care, and the secondary objective was to examine the association between wearable devices and clinical data in the context of patient outcomes, such as discharge and deceased at various time intervals. Methods: We employed a prospective observational research approach to continuously monitor the hand movements of the selected 68 patients between December 2019 and June 2022 via an actigraphy device at hospice or palliative care ward of Taipei Medical University Hospital (TMUH) in Taiwan. Results: The results revealed that the patients with higher scores in the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), and Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) tended to live at discharge, while Palliative Prognostic Score (PaP) and Palliative prognostic Index (PPI) also shared the similar trend. In addition, the results also confirmed that all these evaluating tools only suggested rough rather than accurate and definite prediction. The outcomes (May be Discharge (MBD) or expired) were positively correlated with accumulated angle and spin values, i.e., the patients who survived had higher angle and spin values as compared to those who died/expired. Conclusion: The outcomes had higher correlation with angle value compared to spin and ACT. The correlation value increased within the first 48 h and then began to decline. We recommend rigorous prospective observational studies/randomized control trials with many participants for the investigations in the future.

Optimal assessment of quality of life for patients with prostate cancer

The burden of cancer and oncologic treatment is reflected not only through morbidity and mortality, but also through impacts on patient quality of life (QoL). However, QoL has not been historically measured or addressed with the same rigorous methodology as traditional disease-related outcomes such as overall survival and progression, as these are driven by objective measurements and events. Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent non-cutaneous cancers in men around the world. Both the cancer and its treatment significantly impact patients' physical, emotional, sexual, social, and overall QoL. Ensuring assessment and integration of QoL in research and clinical care enables improvement in treatment outcomes that matter most to patients while also facilitating alignment of healthcare priorities with reimbursements. Great strides toward this end have been made over the last decade, but significant room for improvement remains. To ensure high quality, reliable data collection, QoL assessment tools must be psychometrically validated, standardized, widely implemented across trials, and regularly assessed to allow internal and external validity, longitudinal comparative effectiveness research, and quality control. Additional consideration should be taken for instruments used to measure the aspects of QoL specific to minority, caregiver, and elderly populations. Open clinical questions include how providers should weight changes in different QoL subscales and how clinically meaningful difference thresholds should be defined. Review of ongoing clinical trials encouragingly reveals an increased focus on measuring and improving QoL for men with PCa which will inform the way we utilize QoL assessments. However, additional efforts herein described are needed to fully optimize these processes. In summary, this review will explain the rationale for QoL assessments in PCa populations, discuss requirements for effective implementation, describe considerations for vulnerable and under-evaluated populations, and summarize ongoing clinical trials assessing patient QoL.

Correlation of reduced temporal muscle thickness and systemic muscle loss in newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients

PURPOSE

Reduced temporal muscle thickness (TMT) has recently been postulated as a prognostic imaging marker and an objective tool to assess patients frailty in glioblastoma. Our aim is to investigate the correlation of TMT and systemic muscle loss to confirm that TMT is an adequate surrogate marker of sarcopenia in newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients.

METHODS

TMT was assessed on preoperative MR-images and skeletal muscle area (SMA) was assessed at the third lumbar vertebra on preoperative abdominal CT-scans. Previous published TMT sex-specific cut-off values were used to classify patients as 'patient at risk of sarcopenia' or 'patient with normal muscle status'. Correlation between TMT and SMA was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Sixteen percent of the 245 included patients were identified as at risk of sarcopenia. The mean SMA of glioblastoma patients at risk of sarcopenia (124.3 cm2, SD 30.8 cm2) was significantly lower than the mean SMA of patients with normal muscle status (146.3 cm2, SD 31.1 cm2, P < .001). We found a moderate association between TMT and SMA in the patients with normal muscle status (Spearman's rho 0.521, P < .001), and a strong association in the patients at risk of sarcopenia (Spearman's rho 0.678, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Our results confirm the use of TMT as a surrogate marker of total body skeletal muscle mass in glioblastoma, especially in frail patients at risk of sarcopenia. TMT can be used to identify patients with muscle loss early in the disease process, which enables the implementation of adequate intervention strategies.

Performance status and survival in cancer patients undergoing palliative care: retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

Accurate forecasting the life expectancy of patients with cancer is adamantly needed for adequate decision-making in the Palliative Care Services (PCS) context. Nonetheless, physician forecast is often inaccurate, hindering end of life (EOL) decisions. In this study, we determined the prognostic value of two oncology performance status (PS) scales at first referral to PCS.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 6310 patients consecutively admitted to PCS at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (2012-2018). Demographic and PS (as per Karnofsky (KPS) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scales) information was retrieved and the overall survival of patients calculated according to PS. Concordance of each scale was assessed in the overall population and according to age.

RESULTS

Overall survival was significantly associated with ECOG and KPS (p<0.05). A total of 2278 (36.1%) and 2296 (36.4%) patients were referred to PCS in their last month of life and most had a poor PS (ECOG 3-4, 59.1%; KPS <50, 54.4%). Both PS scales had high concordance in the overall population (K=0.6189 (KPS); K=0.6058 (ECOG)), but a higher value was observed among the subgroup of patients aged ≥65 (K=0.6339 (KPS); 0.6252 (ECOG)). Concordance was lowest among younger (≤39) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

PS as assessed by the most widely known tools is strongly associated with overall survival of patients with cancer attending PCS. No large differences were observed among the scales, though results slightly favour the use of KPS. Early referral to PCS and accurate survival prediction can aid in relevant decision-making for patients approaching EOL.

The Association between Early Changes in Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio and Survival in Patients Treated with Immunotherapy

Dynamic changes in the blood-based biomarkers could be used as a prognostic biomarker in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), although the data are limited. We evaluated the association between the neutrophil−lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and early NLR changes with survival in ICI-treated patients. We retrospectively evaluated the data of 231 patients with advanced-stage cancer. We recorded baseline clinical characteristics, baseline NLR and fourth-week NLR changes, and survival data. A compound prognostic score, the NLR2-CEL score, was developed with the following parameters: baseline NLR (<5 vs. ≥5), ECOG status (0 vs. ≥1), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI, <9 vs. ≥9), LDH (N vs. ≥ULN), and fourth-week NLR change (10% or over NLR increase). In the multivariable analyses, higher NLR (HR: 1.743, p = 0.002), 10% or over NLR increase in the fourth week of treatment (HR: 1.807, p = 0.001), higher ECOG performance score (HR: 1.552, p = 0.006), higher LDH levels (HR: 1.454, p = 0.017), and higher CCI (HR: 1.400, p = 0.041) were associated with decreased OS. Compared to patients with the lowest scores, patients in the highest score group had significantly lower OS (HR: 7.967, 95% CI: 3.531−17.979, p < 0.001) and PFS. The composite score had moderate success for survival prediction, with an AUC of 0.702 (95% CI: 0.626−0.779, p < 0.001). We observed significantly lower survival in patients with higher baseline NLR values and increased NLR values under treatment.

Smartphone-Based Ecological Momentary Assessment for the Measurement of the Performance Status and Health-Related Quality of Life in Cancer Patients Under Systemic Anticancer Therapies: Development and Acceptability of a Mobile App

Background

We have defined a project to develop a mobile app that continually records smartphone parameters which may help define the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), without interaction with patients or professionals. This project is divided into 3 phases. Here we describe phase 1. The objective of this phase was to develop the app and assess its usability concerning patient characteristics, acceptability, and satisfaction.

Methods

The app eB2-ECOG was developed and installed in the smartphone of cancer patients who will be followed for six months. Criteria inclusion were: age over 18-year-old; diagnosed with unresectable or metastatic lung cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, sarcoma, or head and neck cancer; under systemic anticancer therapies; and possession of a Smartphone. The app will collect passive and active data from the patients while healthcare professionals will evaluate the ECOG-PS and HRQoL through conventional tools. Acceptability was assessed during the follow-up. Patients answered a satisfaction survey in the app between 3-6 months from their inclusion.

Results

The app developed provides a system for continuously collecting, merging, and processing data related to patient's health and physical activity. It provides a transparent capture service based on all the available data of a patient. Currently, 106 patients have been recruited. A total of 36 patients were excluded, most of them (21/36) due to technological reasons. We assessed 69 patients (53 lung cancer, 8 gastrointestinal stromal tumors, 5 sarcomas, and 3 head and neck cancer). Concerning app satisfaction, 70.4% (20/27) of patients found the app intuitive and easy to use, and 51.9% (17/27) of them said that the app helped them to improve and handle their problems better. Overall, 17 out of 27 patients [62.9%] were satisfied with the app, and 14 of them [51.8%] would recommend the app to other patients.

Conclusions

We observed that the app's acceptability and satisfaction were good, which is essential for the continuity of the project. In the subsequent phases, we will develop predictive models based on the collected information during this phase. We will validate the method and analyze the sensitivity of the automated results.

Treating advanced lung cancer in older veterans with comorbid conditions and frailty

Advanced lung cancer is a deadly malignancy that is a common cause of death among Veterans. Significant advancements in lung cancer therapeutics have been made over the past decade and survival outcomes have improved. The Veteran population is older, has more medical comorbidities and frailty compared to the general population. These factors must be accounted for when evaluating patients for treatment and selecting treatment options. This article explores the impact of these important issues in the management of advanced lung cancer. Recent clinical trials leading to the approval of modern therapies will be outlined and treatment outcomes specific to older patients discussed. The impact of key comorbidities that are common in Veterans and their impact on lung cancer treatment will be reviewed. There is no gold standard frailty index for assessment of frailty in patients with advanced lung cancer and the ability to predict tolerability and benefit from systemic therapies. Currently available systemic therapies are associated with higher risk of adverse events and lower potential for clinically meaningful improvement in outcomes. Future research needs to focus on designing better frailty indices and developing novel therapies that are safer and more effective therapies for frail patients, who constitute a considerable proportion of individuals diagnosed with lung cancer.

Prevalence and predictors for 72-h mortality after transfer to acute palliative care unit

Purpose

Accurate prediction of survival is important to facilitate clinical decision-making and improve quality of care at the end of life. While it is well documented that survival prediction poses a challenge for treating physicians, the need for clinically valuable predictive factors has not been met. This study aims to quantify the prevalence of patient transfer 72 h before death onto the acute palliative care unit in a tertiary care center in Switzerland, and to identify factors predictive of 72-h mortality.

Methods

All patients hospitalized between January and December 2020 on the acute palliative care unit of the Competence Center Palliative Care of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University Hospital Zurich were assessed. Variables were retrieved from the electronic medical records. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify predictors of mortality.

Results

A total of 398 patients were screened, of which 188 were assessed. Every fifth patient spent less than 72 h on the acute palliative care unit before death. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, predictors for 72-h mortality after transfer were no prior palliative care consult (p = 0.011), no advance care directive (p = 0.044), lower performance status (p = 0.035), lower self-care index (p = 0.003), and lower blood albumin level (p = 0.026).

Conclusion

Late transfer to the acute palliative care unit is not uncommon, which can cause additional distress to patients and caretakers. Though clinically practical short-term survival predictors remain largely unidentified, early integration of palliative care should be practiced more regularly in patients with life-limiting illness.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-022-07075-6.

The Role of Ablative Radiotherapy in Older Adults With Limited Metastatic Disease

For patients with oligometastatic cancer, radiotherapy presents a promising avenue for achieving meaningful symptom relief and durable disease control. Data from recently published and ongoing randomized studies are helping to define the appropriate contexts for effective intervention with stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) in the oligometastatic setting. Importantly, older adults represent a significant portion of patients with oligometastatic disease, yet often comprise a minority of patients in clinical trials. Moreover, older adults of the same chronologic age may have variable degrees of fitness and frailty. In this review, we highlight the specific challenges and considerations for the use of radiotherapy for older adults with oligometastatic disease-noting the importance of geriatric assessments in clinical decision-making about the appropriateness of SABR and other metastasis-directed therapies in this population. We then review data from existing trials, including a subset analysis of adverse events and survival estimates among older adults enrolled in the landmark SABR-COMET trial. Finally, we discuss future directions for research, including the need for focused clinical trials in older adult cohorts. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary approach is critical when carefully balancing the potential risks and benefits of this emerging treatment paradigm in the older adult population.

Temporal muscle thickness as an independent prognostic imaging marker in newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients: a validation study

Background

Previous studies have recognized temporal muscle thickness (TMT) as a prognostic marker in glioblastoma, but clinical implementation is hampered due to studies’ heterogeneity and lack of established cutoff values. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of recent proposed sex-specific TMT cutoff values in a real-world population of genotyped primary glioblastoma patients.

Methods

We measured TMT in preoperative MR images of 328 patients. Sex-specific TMT cutoff values were used to divide patients into “at risk of sarcopenia” or “normal muscle status”. Kaplan-Meier analyses and stepwise multivariate Cox-Regression analyses were used to assess the association with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The association with occurrence of complications and discontinuation of glioblastoma treatment was investigated using odds ratios (OR).

Results

Patients at risk of sarcopenia had a significantly higher risk of progression and death than patients with normal muscle status, which remained significant in the multivariate analyses (OS HR = 1.437; 95%CI: 1.046–1.973; P = .025 and PFS HR = 1.453; 95%CI: 1.037–2.036; P = .030). Patients at risk of sarcopenia also had a significantly higher risk of early discontinuation of treatment (OR = 2.45; 95%CI: 1.011–5.952; P = .042) and a significantly lower chance of receiving second-line treatment (OR = 0.23; 95%CI: 0.09–0.60; P = .001). There was no association with the occurrence of complications.

Conclusions

Our study confirms external validity of the use of proposed sex-specific TMT cutoff values as an independent prognostic marker in newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients. This simple, noninvasive marker could improve patient counseling and aid in treatment decision processes or trial stratification.

Preoperative Physical Inactivity Affects the Postoperative Course of Surgical Patients with Lung Cancer

OBJECTIVE

Preoperative performance status is an important factor in thoracic surgery, but little is known about the effect of preoperative physical activity (PA) on the postoperative course. This study investigated the associations between preoperative PA and postoperative complications and clinical outcomes of lung cancer surgery.

METHODS

This prospective observational study included patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer at a single institution. PA was measured before hospitalization for 5 consecutive days and then after surgery until hospital discharge. The daily step count and time spent performing moderate intensity activity (> 3 metabolic equivalents) were measured with an accelerometer. We examined the correlations between PA and preoperative pulmonary function and physical fitness, and examined the relationship between postoperative complication and PA. Finally, a multivariate analysis was performed with pre-hospital PA as the dependent variable.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients were analyzed. Univariate analysis found no correlation between pre-hospital PA and preoperative pulmonary function, but found significant positive correlations between pre-hospital PA and time spent performing moderate intensity activity, in-hospital PA, preoperative 6-minute walk distance, and maximum gait speed (r > 0.5, p < 0.01). The nine patients who developed postoperative complications had significantly lower pre-hospital and postoperative step count than the patients with no complication (p = 0.04). Multiple regression analysis showed that pre-hospital PA was significantly associated with time spent performing moderate intensity activity, maximum gait speed, and postoperative complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of pre-hospital PA is useful in predicting the postoperative course after lung cancer surgery.

The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status as a prognostic factor of stage I-III colorectal cancer surgery for elderly patients: a multi-institutional retrospective analysis

PURPOSES

The relationship between the general condition and long-term prognosis in elderly patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) undergoing curative surgery remains unclear. This study investigated the risk factors for poor long-term outcomes in elderly patients with CRC.

METHODS

Data of pStage I to III patients with CRC ≥ 80 years old who underwent curative surgery were collected from a multi-institutional database of the Japanese study group for postoperative follow-up of CRC. We retrospectively investigated the poor prognostic factors for the overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS).

RESULTS

A total of 473 patients with a median age of 83 years were investigated (315, 121, 34, and 3 with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status [ECOG-PS] 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that ECOG-PS ≥ 2 and positive lymph node metastasis were independently associated with a poor OS (both p < 0.01). Positive lymph node metastasis (p < 0.01) and tumor depth (T3 or T4) (p = 0.02) were independently associated with a poor RFS. In Stages I and II, but not Stage III patients, the OS was significantly worse in those with ECOG-PS ≥ 2 than in those with ECOG-PS ≤ 1.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative ECOG-PS was a significant prognostic factor for elderly patients with CRC after curative surgery.

Treatment of Older Adult Patients with Glioblastoma: Moving towards the Inclusion of a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for Guiding Management

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults, and over half of patients with newly diagnosed GBM are over the age of 65. Management of glioblastoma in older patients includes maximal safe resection followed by either radiation, chemotherapy, or combined modality treatment. Despite recent advances in the treatment of older patients with GBM, survival is still only approximately 9 months compared to approximately 15 months for the general adult population, suggesting that further research is required to optimize management in the older population. The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) has been shown to have a prognostic and predictive role in the management of older patients with other cancers, and domains of the CGA have demonstrated an association with outcomes in GBM in retrospective studies. Furthermore, the CGA and other geriatric assessment tools are now starting to be prospectively investigated in older GBM populations. This review aims to outline current treatment strategies for older patients with GBM, explore the rationale for inclusion of geriatric assessment in GBM management, and highlight recent data investigating its implementation into practice.