Pub Date : 2025-04-26DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102241
Raymond Gardner , Beverly Canin , Kah Poh Loh , Chuck O'Shea , Martine Puts , Siri Rostoft , Sushmita Sen , Christopher Steer , Susan Brill , Antonella Cardone , William Dale , Barbara Ewals , Martine Extermann , Theodora Karnakis , Romeo Marcaida , Nicole Saur , Grant Williams , Nicolò Matteo Luca Battisti
The introduction of evidence-based patient-centred care (EBPCC) into the cancer treatment pathway requires older adults with cancer and their support networks to actively participate in the decision-making process. EBPCC is a combination of evidence-based practice (EBP) and patient-centred care (PCC). EBPCC is a healthcare approach that focuses on the needs and preferences of the patient. However, the increasingly complex nature of cancer treatment options, the heterogeneity of older adults, and the probability of comorbidities can make it a complicated and difficult task for older adults with cancer to process these options, evaluate the information presented, and determine their preferred treatment pathway.
EBPCC can effectively facilitate shared decision-making in the clinic for older adults with cancer but may not fulfil the healthcare expectations of all older adults. Older adult patients newly diagnosed with cancer may expect a more holistic approach to their care, with emphasis on ‘what matters most for the patient?’
In this paper, we consider EBPCC and its effectiveness in building active collaboration between clinicians and older adults with cancer. We examine EBPCC from both clinician and patient perspectives and reflect on the extent that heterogeneity, comorbidities, and generational characteristics influence these perspectives. We then evaluate the cancer clinical pathway for its preparedness to meet the future needs of this heterogenous population.
{"title":"Will evidence-based patient-centred care meet the future inter-generational needs of older adults with cancer? A diverse perspective","authors":"Raymond Gardner , Beverly Canin , Kah Poh Loh , Chuck O'Shea , Martine Puts , Siri Rostoft , Sushmita Sen , Christopher Steer , Susan Brill , Antonella Cardone , William Dale , Barbara Ewals , Martine Extermann , Theodora Karnakis , Romeo Marcaida , Nicole Saur , Grant Williams , Nicolò Matteo Luca Battisti","doi":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102241","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102241","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The introduction of evidence-based patient-centred care (EBPCC) into the cancer treatment pathway requires older adults with cancer and their support networks to actively participate in the decision-making process. EBPCC is a combination of evidence-based practice (EBP) and patient-centred care (PCC). EBPCC is a healthcare approach that focuses on the needs and preferences of the patient. However, the increasingly complex nature of cancer treatment options, the heterogeneity of older adults, and the probability of comorbidities can make it a complicated and difficult task for older adults with cancer to process these options, evaluate the information presented, and determine their preferred treatment pathway.</div><div>EBPCC can effectively facilitate shared decision-making in the clinic for older adults with cancer but may not fulfil the healthcare expectations of all older adults. Older adult patients newly diagnosed with cancer may expect a more holistic approach to their care, with emphasis on ‘what matters most for the patient?’</div><div>In this paper, we consider EBPCC and its effectiveness in building active collaboration between clinicians and older adults with cancer. We examine EBPCC from both clinician and patient perspectives and reflect on the extent that heterogeneity, comorbidities, and generational characteristics influence these perspectives. We then evaluate the cancer clinical pathway for its preparedness to meet the future needs of this heterogenous population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15943,"journal":{"name":"Journal of geriatric oncology","volume":"16 5","pages":"Article 102241"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143874532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Decision regret in older men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and associations with treatment received and baseline variables","authors":"Selynne Guo , Narhari Timilshina , Valerie Seungyeon Kim , Urban Emmenegger , Shabbir M.H. Alibhai","doi":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102240","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102240","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15943,"journal":{"name":"Journal of geriatric oncology","volume":"16 5","pages":"Article 102240"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143874534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) can prevent functional decline in patients with hematological malignancies (HM). The Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) program has been developed to monitor intrinsic capacity (IC) and to propose patient-centred interventions to prevent functional decline. ICOPE may also be relevant in older adults with HM. The objective of this study was to describe IC in older patients with HM.
Materials and Methods
Patients aged above 60 years old diagnosed with a HM, with an activities of daily living (ADL) score ≥ 5, were recruited from the Oncological Geriatric department of the Toulouse University Hospital during routine cancer assessment. The ICOPE Step 1 was implemented in all participants using a digital tool. IC was assessed in these domains: cognition, mobility, nutrition, mood, vision, and hearing. A follow-up Step 1 was proposed systematically at six months.
Results
A total of 403 patients with HM aged 82 (±6.5) years underwent a Step 1 assessment. Three hundred and seventy-one (92.1 %) patients presented an altered Step 1 assessment with 2.4 ± 1.4 altered IC domains. The most frequent altered domains were cognition in 203 (50.4 %), hearing in 193 (47.9 %), and mobility in 177 (43.9 %). Two hundred twelve (65.8 %) underwent a Step 1 follow-up at six months.
Discussion
ONCO-ICOPE provides an innovative framework to assess and monitor IC in patients with HM at high risk of functional decline. With a digital solution, its objective is to expand IC assessment and bridge the gap between primary care and oncologic care for a more personalized patient care plan.
{"title":"Digital intrinsic capacity assessment of older patients with hematological malignancies: The ONCO-ICOPE cohort","authors":"Zara Steinmeyer , Caroline Berbon , Astride Piquart , Stéphane Gérard , Yves Rolland , Sandrine Sourdet , Laurent Balardy","doi":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102239","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102239","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) can prevent functional decline in patients with hematological malignancies (HM). The Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) program has been developed to monitor intrinsic capacity (IC) and to propose patient-centred interventions to prevent functional decline. ICOPE may also be relevant in older adults with HM. The objective of this study was to describe IC in older patients with HM.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>Patients aged above 60 years old diagnosed with a HM, with an activities of daily living (ADL) score ≥ 5, were recruited from the Oncological Geriatric department of the Toulouse University Hospital during routine cancer assessment. The ICOPE Step 1 was implemented in all participants using a digital tool. IC was assessed in these domains: cognition, mobility, nutrition, mood, vision, and hearing. A follow-up Step 1 was proposed systematically at six months.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 403 patients with HM aged 82 (±6.5) years underwent a Step 1 assessment. Three hundred and seventy-one (92.1 %) patients presented an altered Step 1 assessment with 2.4 ± 1.4 altered IC domains. The most frequent altered domains were cognition in 203 (50.4 %), hearing in 193 (47.9 %), and mobility in 177 (43.9 %). Two hundred twelve (65.8 %) underwent a Step 1 follow-up at six months.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>ONCO-ICOPE provides an innovative framework to assess and monitor IC in patients with HM at high risk of functional decline. With a digital solution, its objective is to expand IC assessment and bridge the gap between primary care and oncologic care for a more personalized patient care plan.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15943,"journal":{"name":"Journal of geriatric oncology","volume":"16 5","pages":"Article 102239"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143874533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-07DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102237
Schroder Sattar , Kristen R. Haase , Isabel Tejero , Cara Bradley , Saul Cobbing , Neha Pathak , Joanne H. Callow , Jee A. Lam , Chloe Perlon , Kristine Jones del Socorro , Michelle B. Nadler , Shabbir M.H. Alibhai , Kristin L. Campbell , Efthymios Papadopoulos
Introduction
The feasibility, safety, acceptability, and perceptions of exercise in older adults with advanced disease are not well understood due to the scarcity of evidence. This scoping review aimed to (1) summarize evidence on the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of exercise interventions for older adults with advanced cancer and (2) explore this population's perceptions on participating in exercise programs.
Materials and Methods
A systematic search was conducted by an expert research librarian in Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and SPORTDiscus (inception through November 2023). Eligible studies included older adults with advanced (stage IV or receiving treatment with non-curative intent) solid cancers and intervention or qualitative studies on physical activity/exercise in older adults pertaining to our objectives.
Results
A total of 36 studies were included: 28 (78 %) intervention studies, seven (19 %) qualitative studies, and one (3 %) cross-sectional study. The Frequency/Intensity/Time/Type (FITT) principle was described in 18 studies (64 %). Feasibility was examined in 15 of the 28 intervention studies (54 %) using various definitions. Four studies had predetermined feasibility thresholds, yielding mixed results. One intervention study reported on two intervention-related severe adverse events. Nineteen of the 28 intervention studies (68 %) examined acceptability, reporting high levels of participant satisfaction. Qualitative data revealed several barriers and facilitators to exercise.
Discussion
Exercise appears to be feasible, acceptable, and safe in older adults with advanced cancer. Consistent reporting on the FITT principle and feasibility operationalization are areas of improvement in exercise studies in older adults with advanced disease.
{"title":"Exercise interventions for older adults with advanced cancer: A scoping review","authors":"Schroder Sattar , Kristen R. Haase , Isabel Tejero , Cara Bradley , Saul Cobbing , Neha Pathak , Joanne H. Callow , Jee A. Lam , Chloe Perlon , Kristine Jones del Socorro , Michelle B. Nadler , Shabbir M.H. Alibhai , Kristin L. Campbell , Efthymios Papadopoulos","doi":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102237","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102237","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The feasibility, safety, acceptability, and perceptions of exercise in older adults with advanced disease are not well understood due to the scarcity of evidence. This scoping review aimed to (1) summarize evidence on the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of exercise interventions for older adults with advanced cancer and (2) explore this population's perceptions on participating in exercise programs.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>A systematic search was conducted by an expert research librarian in Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and SPORTDiscus (inception through November 2023). Eligible studies included older adults with advanced (stage IV or receiving treatment with non-curative intent) solid cancers and intervention or qualitative studies on physical activity/exercise in older adults pertaining to our objectives.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 36 studies were included: 28 (78 %) intervention studies, seven (19 %) qualitative studies, and one (3 %) cross-sectional study. The Frequency/Intensity/Time/Type (FITT) principle was described in 18 studies (64 %). <em>Feasibility</em> was examined in 15 of the 28 intervention studies (54 %) using various definitions. Four studies had predetermined feasibility thresholds, yielding mixed results. One intervention study reported on two intervention-related severe adverse events. Nineteen of the 28 intervention studies (68 %) examined acceptability, reporting high levels of participant satisfaction. Qualitative data revealed several barriers and facilitators to exercise.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Exercise appears to be feasible, acceptable, and safe in older adults with advanced cancer. Consistent reporting on the FITT principle and feasibility operationalization are areas of improvement in exercise studies in older adults with advanced disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15943,"journal":{"name":"Journal of geriatric oncology","volume":"16 4","pages":"Article 102237"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143785653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pre-existing cognitive impairment (CI) is likely underreported in patients treated for cancer, and its prevalence remains unclear. Older adults with CI may have a greater risk of treatment failure and increased morbidity and mortality than patients with intact cognition. To our knowledge, there has not been a previous review summarizing data on the prevalence of pre-existing CI in patients with cancer. This review addresses: (1) What is the prevalence of pre-existing CI in patients treated for cancer and (2) What is the impact of cancer treatment on cognitive outcomes among patients exhibiting pre-existing CI before planned cancer treatment?
Materials and Methods
We defined CI as a diagnosis of dementia or mild or unspecified CI before any cancer treatment, including surgery. This scoping review followed the Arksey and O'Malley framework and adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles, resolving disagreements with a third reviewer. The reviewers systematically searched MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) from inception until July 15, 2023, including original research focused on participants aged 60 or older reporting the prevalence of pre-existing CI before any cancer treatment.
Results
Among the 10,490 screened citations, 23 manuscripts reporting on 21 studies met the inclusion criteria for both review questions. Pre-existing CI was prevalent at a mean rate of 6 % in administrative database studies, while clinical studies employing pre-treatment cognitive screening tools, primarily the Mini-Mental State Examination and Mini-Cog, reported a higher mean prevalence of 26 % (range 2.6 to 52 %). Only one study reported postoperative delirium in 27.9 % of patients with CI following cancer surgery, suggesting a higher risk of delirium in this population. However, none of the reviewed studies provided data on other cognitive outcomes, such as chemotherapy-related CI or treatment toxicity, in these individuals.
Discussion
Pre-existing CI is common but highly variable. The variability in reported prevalence rates can largely be attributed to significant differences in study inclusion criteria of participants and sample size, with some studies relying on regionally limited datasets.
{"title":"Prevalence of pre-existing cognitive impairment in patients treated for cancer and the impact of cancer treatment on cognitive outcomes: A scoping review","authors":"Nelly Toledano , Valentina Donison , Avital Sigal , Samantha Mayo , Shabbir M.H. Alibhai , Martine Puts","doi":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102235","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102235","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Pre-existing cognitive impairment (CI) is likely underreported in patients treated for cancer, and its prevalence remains unclear. Older adults with CI may have a greater risk of treatment failure and increased morbidity and mortality than patients with intact cognition. To our knowledge, there has not been a previous review summarizing data on the prevalence of pre-existing CI in patients with cancer. This review addresses: (1) What is the prevalence of pre-existing CI in patients treated for cancer and (2) What is the impact of cancer treatment on cognitive outcomes among patients exhibiting pre-existing CI before planned cancer treatment?</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>We defined CI as a diagnosis of dementia or mild or unspecified CI before any cancer treatment, including surgery. This scoping review followed the Arksey and O'Malley framework and adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles, resolving disagreements with a third reviewer. The reviewers systematically searched MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) from inception until July 15, 2023, including original research focused on participants aged 60 or older reporting the prevalence of pre-existing CI before any cancer treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among the 10,490 screened citations, 23 manuscripts reporting on 21 studies met the inclusion criteria for both review questions. Pre-existing CI was prevalent at a mean rate of 6 % in administrative database studies, while clinical studies employing pre-treatment cognitive screening tools, primarily the Mini-Mental State Examination and Mini-Cog, reported a higher mean prevalence of 26 % (range 2.6 to 52 %). Only one study reported postoperative delirium in 27.9 % of patients with CI following cancer surgery, suggesting a higher risk of delirium in this population. However, none of the reviewed studies provided data on other cognitive outcomes, such as chemotherapy-related CI or treatment toxicity, in these individuals.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Pre-existing CI is common but highly variable. The variability in reported prevalence rates can largely be attributed to significant differences in study inclusion criteria of participants and sample size, with some studies relying on regionally limited datasets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15943,"journal":{"name":"Journal of geriatric oncology","volume":"16 4","pages":"Article 102235"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143734592","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-27DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102234
Sharon He , Heather L. Shepherd , Meera Agar , Rebekah Laidsaar-Powell , Joanne Shaw
Introduction
Older adults with cancer make up a large proportion of cancer diagnoses in Australia. Multimorbidity and aging-related vulnerabilities can make cancer treatment and management challenging. There are limited qualitative studies exploring current practice of care and use of geriatric assessments (GAs) in Australia. This study aimed to qualitatively explore Australian healthcare professionals' (HCPs) experiences of treatment decision-making in relation to older adults with cancer and perceptions of the role of GAs in cancer care in Australia to identify potential barriers to implementation.
Materials and Methods
Australian HCPs providing care for older adults with cancer completed a short online survey and participated in a semi-structured telephone interview exploring their perceptions and experiences of treatment decision-making, and management of older adults with cancer. Purposive sampling ensured representation across disciplines. Thematic analysis using a framework approach identified key themes.
Results
Thirty-one HCPs (n = 19 medical HCPs, n = 7 cancer nurses, n = 5 allied HCPs) completed the online questionnaire. Most participants rated assessment of geriatric domains to be important/very important when considering treatment decisions, however there was variability in perceived importance for assessing objective measures of function and mobility. Of the 31 participants that completed the questionnaire, 29 participated in a semi-structured telephone interview. Qualitative analysis of interviews revealed four main themes: (1) Who do we consider older? Chronological vs. functional age, (2) Clinical management of older adults – theory vs. practice, (3) Is there value in geriatric assessments? (4) Factors that impact GA implementation, and one overarching theme (5) Treatment decision-making for older adults with cancer.
Discussion
This study provides insight into current practice of care for older adults with cancer and the barriers and facilitators to GA implementation within Australian cancer services. Health economic research demonstrating cost-effectiveness of GAs to facilitate system-level change is required. There is also need for further education and training for Australian HCPs on geriatric principles and assessments to improve management for older adults with cancer.
{"title":"Australian healthcare professionals' experiences and perception of management of older adults with cancer: A qualitative study","authors":"Sharon He , Heather L. Shepherd , Meera Agar , Rebekah Laidsaar-Powell , Joanne Shaw","doi":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102234","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102234","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Older adults with cancer make up a large proportion of cancer diagnoses in Australia. Multimorbidity and aging-related vulnerabilities can make cancer treatment and management challenging. There are limited qualitative studies exploring current practice of care and use of geriatric assessments (GAs) in Australia. This study aimed to qualitatively explore Australian healthcare professionals' (HCPs) experiences of treatment decision-making in relation to older adults with cancer and perceptions of the role of GAs in cancer care in Australia to identify potential barriers to implementation.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>Australian HCPs providing care for older adults with cancer completed a short online survey and participated in a semi-structured telephone interview exploring their perceptions and experiences of treatment decision-making, and management of older adults with cancer. Purposive sampling ensured representation across disciplines. Thematic analysis using a framework approach identified key themes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirty-one HCPs (<em>n</em> = 19 medical HCPs, <em>n</em> = 7 cancer nurses, <em>n</em> = 5 allied HCPs) completed the online questionnaire. Most participants rated assessment of geriatric domains to be important/very important when considering treatment decisions, however there was variability in perceived importance for assessing objective measures of function and mobility. Of the 31 participants that completed the questionnaire, 29 participated in a semi-structured telephone interview. Qualitative analysis of interviews revealed four main themes: (1) Who do we consider older? Chronological vs. functional age, (2) Clinical management of older adults – theory vs. practice, (3) Is there value in geriatric assessments? (4) Factors that impact GA implementation, and one overarching theme (5) Treatment decision-making for older adults with cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>This study provides insight into current practice of care for older adults with cancer and the barriers and facilitators to GA implementation within Australian cancer services. Health economic research demonstrating cost-effectiveness of GAs to facilitate system-level change is required. There is also need for further education and training for Australian HCPs on geriatric principles and assessments to improve management for older adults with cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15943,"journal":{"name":"Journal of geriatric oncology","volume":"16 4","pages":"Article 102234"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143704938","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-25DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102226
Jenna L. Morgan , Anne Shrestha , Charlene Martin , Stephen Walters , Michael Bradburn , Malcolm Reed , Thompson G. Robinson , Kwok-Leung Cheung , Riccardo Audisio , Jacqui Gath , Deirdre Revell , Tracy Green , Alistair Ring , Kate J. Lifford , Katherine Brain , Adrian Edwards , Lynda Wyld
Introduction
Prioritising quality of life (QoL) or length of life is often necessary in the decision-making process for cancer care. This may be complicated in patients with limited life expectancy due to age and comorbidities. Older women with early breast cancer often receive non-standard care (primary endocrine therapy [PET] or omission of chemotherapy or radiotherapy) to reduce treatment morbidity and maintain QoL. We aimed to determine the perceived relative influence of QoL versus length of life in treatment decision making by older women with early (potentially curable) breast cancer.
Materials and Methods
This was a sub-study of the Age Gap multi-centre, cohort study, which prospectively recruited women >70 yrs. with early breast cancer. Baseline demographics, health characteristics, and QoL scores were analysed alongside a bespoke questionnaire to assess QoL and length of life preferences, including a modified version of the validated quality/quantity questionnaire, in a subset of the main study.
Results
The questionnaire was sent to 308 patients and 194 (63 %) were returned by participants with a median age of 75 years (range 70–93). Of these, 14 had PET and 180 had standard treatment (ST) (surgery +/− adjuvant therapy) including 37 who had chemotherapy. The PET group was older (median age 83.5 versus 76 years) and in poorer health (9/14; 64.3 % patients had one or more comorbidities versus 69/144; 47.9 %) with inferior baseline physical domain QoL scores. Patients who received PET valued QoL and length of life equally (Q score 0.87, L score 0.91), and patients who received chemotherapy favoured length of life over QoL (Q score 0.67, L score 0.86). Subgroup analysis showed a small correlation between increasing age and QoL preferences (Spearman's r = 0.2, P < 0.009). There was no correlation between co-morbidities, frailty, or global QoL and length of life/QoL preferences.
Discussion
Older women with early breast cancer valued length of life and QoL highly, with an association between preference for QoL and less aggressive treatment choices. Relative QoL preference increased with advancing age. More research is needed to define QoL determinants and outcomes following treatment to help patients make decisions that reflect their priorities.
Trial Registration Number
ISRCTN: 46099296.
{"title":"Preferences for quality of life versus length of life in older women deciding about treatment for early breast cancer: A cross-sectional sub-analysis of the Bridging the Age Gap study","authors":"Jenna L. Morgan , Anne Shrestha , Charlene Martin , Stephen Walters , Michael Bradburn , Malcolm Reed , Thompson G. Robinson , Kwok-Leung Cheung , Riccardo Audisio , Jacqui Gath , Deirdre Revell , Tracy Green , Alistair Ring , Kate J. Lifford , Katherine Brain , Adrian Edwards , Lynda Wyld","doi":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102226","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102226","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Prioritising quality of life (QoL) or length of life is often necessary in the decision-making process for cancer care. This may be complicated in patients with limited life expectancy due to age and comorbidities. Older women with early breast cancer often receive non-standard care (primary endocrine therapy [PET] or omission of chemotherapy or radiotherapy) to reduce treatment morbidity and maintain QoL. We aimed to determine the perceived relative influence of QoL versus length of life in treatment decision making by older women with early (potentially curable) breast cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>This was a sub-study of the Age Gap multi-centre, cohort study, which prospectively recruited women >70 yrs. with early breast cancer. Baseline demographics, health characteristics, and QoL scores were analysed alongside a bespoke questionnaire to assess QoL and length of life preferences, including a modified version of the validated quality/quantity questionnaire, in a subset of the main study.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The questionnaire was sent to 308 patients and 194 (63 %) were returned by participants with a median age of 75 years (range 70–93). Of these, 14 had PET and 180 had standard treatment (ST) (surgery +/− adjuvant therapy) including 37 who had chemotherapy. The PET group was older (median age 83.5 versus 76 years) and in poorer health (9/14; 64.3 % patients had one or more comorbidities versus 69/144; 47.9 %) with inferior baseline physical domain QoL scores. Patients who received PET valued QoL and length of life equally (Q score 0.87, L score 0.91), and patients who received chemotherapy favoured length of life over QoL (Q score 0.67, L score 0.86). Subgroup analysis showed a small correlation between increasing age and QoL preferences (Spearman's <em>r</em> = 0.2, <em>P</em> < 0.009). There was no correlation between co-morbidities, frailty, or global QoL and length of life/QoL preferences.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Older women with early breast cancer valued length of life and QoL highly, with an association between preference for QoL and less aggressive treatment choices. Relative QoL preference increased with advancing age. More research is needed to define QoL determinants and outcomes following treatment to help patients make decisions that reflect their priorities.</div></div><div><h3>Trial Registration Number</h3><div>ISRCTN: 46099296.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15943,"journal":{"name":"Journal of geriatric oncology","volume":"16 4","pages":"Article 102226"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143696131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Older adults with cancer are exposed to greater difficulties in carrying out their daily activities due to cancer itself, its treatment, or both. The aim of this study was to describe functional decline after cancer diagnosis and to investigate the determinants of this decline among older individuals with cancer.
Materials and Methods
Using the Gironde cancer registries, older subjects (≥65 years) with a diagnosis of cancer between 2005 and 2018 were identified in three prospective cohorts on aging. Functional decline was defined as an increase of 1 point for Activities of Daily Living (ADL), 2 points for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), and 3 points for the overall score (ADL + IADL) between cancer pre- and post-diagnosis visits. Logistic regression models were used to identify determinants of functional decline among older subjects who underwent a post-diagnostic assessment. Additionally, multinomial logistic regression models were performed to account for individuals who had died prior to the post-diagnostic cancer visit.
Results
A total of 306 individuals followed-up after the cancer diagnosis were included (median age at cancer diagnosis: 83; 44 % female). Older age at cancer, low educational level, impaired initial functional status, and poor five-year cancer-related prognosis were significantly associated with functional decline across all three scores. Multinomial logistic regression analyses (n = 489) yielded similar results, but only cancer-related factors, specifically unfavorable vital prognosis, were associated with higher risk of death.
Discussion
Functional decline in older individuals with cancer is both multifactorial and multidimensional. Further studies are needed to disentangle the effects of cancer and aging.
{"title":"What are the determinants of functional decline in older adults with cancer? Results from the INCAPAC study","authors":"Yvanna Simon , Catherine Helmer , Fleur Delva , Isabelle Baldi , Gaëlle Coureau , Sandra Leguyader-Peyrou , Hélène Amieva , Simone Mathoulin-Pelissier , Karine Pérès , Angéline Galvin","doi":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102223","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102223","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Older adults with cancer are exposed to greater difficulties in carrying out their daily activities due to cancer itself, its treatment, or both. The aim of this study was to describe functional decline after cancer diagnosis and to investigate the determinants of this decline among older individuals with cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>Using the Gironde cancer registries, older subjects (≥65 years) with a diagnosis of cancer between 2005 and 2018 were identified in three prospective cohorts on aging. Functional decline was defined as an increase of 1 point for Activities of Daily Living (ADL), 2 points for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), and 3 points for the overall score (ADL + IADL) between cancer pre- and post-diagnosis visits. Logistic regression models were used to identify determinants of functional decline among older subjects who underwent a post-diagnostic assessment. Additionally, multinomial logistic regression models were performed to account for individuals who had died prior to the post-diagnostic cancer visit.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 306 individuals followed-up after the cancer diagnosis were included (median age at cancer diagnosis: 83; 44 % female). Older age at cancer, low educational level, impaired initial functional status, and poor five-year cancer-related prognosis were significantly associated with functional decline across all three scores. Multinomial logistic regression analyses (<em>n</em> = 489) yielded similar results, but only cancer-related factors, specifically unfavorable vital prognosis, were associated with higher risk of death.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Functional decline in older individuals with cancer is both multifactorial and multidimensional. Further studies are needed to disentangle the effects of cancer and aging.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15943,"journal":{"name":"Journal of geriatric oncology","volume":"16 4","pages":"Article 102223"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143685710","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-21DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102225
Nicole L. Henderson , Garrett Bourne , Etzael Ortiz-Olguin , Cameron Pywell , J. Bart Rose , Grant R. Williams , S.M. Qasim Hussaini , Ryan D. Nipp , Gabrielle Rocque
Introduction
Treatment of pancreatic cancer often entails multiple modalities (e.g., chemotherapy, surgery, radiation) that vary in intensity, timing, and toxicity profiles. Some treatment options are only recommended for medically ‘fit’ patients regardless of age, yet formal fitness measures (such as the geriatric assessment [GA]) and patient preferences are seldom utilized during treatment decision-making.
Materials and Methods
The INtegrating Systematic PatIent-Reported Evaluations into Multi-Disciplinary Tumor Board (INSPIRE-MDTB) intervention involves the presentation of GA and treatment preferences data during tumor board discussions of older patients with stage I-IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This qualitative study recorded, transcribed, and inductively analyzed historical (November 2021–February 2022) and intervention (September 2022–June 2023) MDTBs using NVivo software. A constant comparative method was used to establish a grounded scheme representative of clinicians' characterization of patients' fitness and preferences during decision-making.
Results
Recordings of the primary MDTB presentation of 31 historical and 49 intervention patients with similar sex (52 %; 53 % female), age (m = 68.1; 72.3), race (65 %; 59 % White), and cancer stage (26 %; 22 % stage IV) were included. Although GA was captured for all included patients, it was not discussed in any historical cases, but was in 94 % of intervention cases. When compared to historical controls, INSPIRE patients had more frequent discussions of (1) cancer-related factors (e.g., size, location, rate of progression; 35 % vs. 43 %), (2) individual risk factors (e.g., age, comorbidities, tolerance; 90 % vs 98 %), and (3) psychosocial factors (e.g., health literacy, social support, substance use; 19 % vs 33 %). Identified preference domains were discussed in 39 % of historical and 80 % of intervention patients, with notably higher rates of discussion of patients' concerns regarding physical (0 %; 35 %) and mental/emotional (0 %; 20 %) side effects, ability to work (0 %; 10 %), and the logistics and convenience of treatment (6 %; 14 %).
Discussion
The INSPIRE intervention enhanced MDTB discussion of patient fitness and preferences and represents a promising approach for fostering consistent and systematic presentation and discussion of patient-reported data, such as the GA and treatment preferences. This adds to our previous findings that INSPIRE was feasible, acceptable, appropriate, and time-effective according to patients and provider participants.
{"title":"The impact of electronic patient-reported outcomes presentation during multi-disciplinary tumor board on clinician discussion of older adults' fitness and preferences","authors":"Nicole L. Henderson , Garrett Bourne , Etzael Ortiz-Olguin , Cameron Pywell , J. Bart Rose , Grant R. Williams , S.M. Qasim Hussaini , Ryan D. Nipp , Gabrielle Rocque","doi":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102225","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102225","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Treatment of pancreatic cancer often entails multiple modalities (e.g., chemotherapy, surgery, radiation) that vary in intensity, timing, and toxicity profiles. Some treatment options are only recommended for medically ‘fit’ patients regardless of age, yet formal fitness measures (such as the geriatric assessment [GA]) and patient preferences are seldom utilized during treatment decision-making.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>The INtegrating Systematic PatIent-Reported Evaluations into Multi-Disciplinary Tumor Board (INSPIRE-MDTB) intervention involves the presentation of GA and treatment preferences data during tumor board discussions of older patients with stage I-IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This qualitative study recorded, transcribed, and inductively analyzed historical (November 2021–February 2022) and intervention (September 2022–June 2023) MDTBs using NVivo software. A constant comparative method was used to establish a grounded scheme representative of clinicians' characterization of patients' fitness and preferences during decision-making.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Recordings of the primary MDTB presentation of 31 historical and 49 intervention patients with similar sex (52 %; 53 % female), age (m = 68.1; 72.3), race (65 %; 59 % White), and cancer stage (26 %; 22 % stage IV) were included. Although GA was captured for all included patients, it was not discussed in any historical cases, but was in 94 % of intervention cases. When compared to historical controls, INSPIRE patients had more frequent discussions of (1) cancer-related factors (e.g., size, location, rate of progression; 35 % vs. 43 %), (2) individual risk factors (e.g., age, comorbidities, tolerance; 90 % vs 98 %), and (3) psychosocial factors (e.g., health literacy, social support, substance use; 19 % vs 33 %). Identified preference domains were discussed in 39 % of historical and 80 % of intervention patients, with notably higher rates of discussion of patients' concerns regarding physical (0 %; 35 %) and mental/emotional (0 %; 20 %) side effects, ability to work (0 %; 10 %), and the logistics and convenience of treatment (6 %; 14 %).</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The INSPIRE intervention enhanced MDTB discussion of patient fitness and preferences and represents a promising approach for fostering consistent and systematic presentation and discussion of patient-reported data, such as the GA and treatment preferences. This adds to our previous findings that INSPIRE was feasible, acceptable, appropriate, and time-effective according to patients and provider participants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15943,"journal":{"name":"Journal of geriatric oncology","volume":"16 4","pages":"Article 102225"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143685702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}