Contributions
Abstract: PB2401
Type: Publication Only
Background
Older adults develop their aging process in a very heterogeneous way and so, considering only chronological age to decide for the best treatment is not effective. To assist in these decisions, Oncogeriatric specialists suggest the use of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) that classifies this group in terms of general health assessment. The patients recognized as fit by CGA could be referred to an intensive therapy, whereas the unfit should have their impairments identified and reverted, as possible, to get hold of a better treatment, improving prognosis.
Aims
The aim was assess the general health in older adults with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (LNH) using CGA and analyze her association with endpoints related to medical therapy decisions.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out using data of older adults diagnosed with NHL who were submitted to a structured survey while in an appointment in National Cancer Institute, between February and July 2013. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 125 patients comprised the study sample. Sociodemographic, clinical, pathological and related to treatment variables were analyzed, after classification in fit or unfit health condition, using three different criteria of CGA. The elements included in CGA were the assessments of functionality, comorbidity, emotional and cognitive function, nutrition, medication use and social support.
Results
Patients had a median of 68 years. There was a slight predominance of the female gender and of aggressive lymphomas in advanced stage. The prevalence of fit patients ranged from 25 to 76%, according to the criteria of CGA chosen, with age and education being factors that affected this result. With regard to treatment, 76% were submitted to an intensive therapy, using anthracycline agents, but 26% of those had to decrease dose or discontinue treatment. In relation to these outcomes, CGA categorization showed a stronger association than age, although none were statistically significant.
Conclusion
A careful review of the literature and exploration of the present data leads to the conclusion that general health assessment, using CGA, and its domains in the approach of older adults with cancer, has a well-established role. On account of this being a cross-sectional study, with incident and prevalent cases and a small sample size, further studies will be required to reach better conclusions.
Session topic: 36. Quality of life, palliative care, ethics and health economics
Keyword(s): Aging, Elderly, lymphoma
Abstract: PB2401
Type: Publication Only
Background
Older adults develop their aging process in a very heterogeneous way and so, considering only chronological age to decide for the best treatment is not effective. To assist in these decisions, Oncogeriatric specialists suggest the use of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) that classifies this group in terms of general health assessment. The patients recognized as fit by CGA could be referred to an intensive therapy, whereas the unfit should have their impairments identified and reverted, as possible, to get hold of a better treatment, improving prognosis.
Aims
The aim was assess the general health in older adults with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (LNH) using CGA and analyze her association with endpoints related to medical therapy decisions.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out using data of older adults diagnosed with NHL who were submitted to a structured survey while in an appointment in National Cancer Institute, between February and July 2013. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 125 patients comprised the study sample. Sociodemographic, clinical, pathological and related to treatment variables were analyzed, after classification in fit or unfit health condition, using three different criteria of CGA. The elements included in CGA were the assessments of functionality, comorbidity, emotional and cognitive function, nutrition, medication use and social support.
Results
Patients had a median of 68 years. There was a slight predominance of the female gender and of aggressive lymphomas in advanced stage. The prevalence of fit patients ranged from 25 to 76%, according to the criteria of CGA chosen, with age and education being factors that affected this result. With regard to treatment, 76% were submitted to an intensive therapy, using anthracycline agents, but 26% of those had to decrease dose or discontinue treatment. In relation to these outcomes, CGA categorization showed a stronger association than age, although none were statistically significant.
Conclusion
A careful review of the literature and exploration of the present data leads to the conclusion that general health assessment, using CGA, and its domains in the approach of older adults with cancer, has a well-established role. On account of this being a cross-sectional study, with incident and prevalent cases and a small sample size, further studies will be required to reach better conclusions.
Session topic: 36. Quality of life, palliative care, ethics and health economics
Keyword(s): Aging, Elderly, lymphoma