M L G Janssen-Heijnen1, H A A M Maas2, S A M van de Schans3, J W W Coebergh4, H J M Groen5. 1. Department of Research, Eindhoven Cancer Registry, Comprehensive Cancer Centre South, Eindhoven; Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical School, Rotterdam. Electronic address: research@ikz.nl. 2. Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tweesteden Hospital, Tilburg. 3. Department of Research, Eindhoven Cancer Registry, Comprehensive Cancer Centre South, Eindhoven. 4. Department of Research, Eindhoven Cancer Registry, Comprehensive Cancer Centre South, Eindhoven; Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical School, Rotterdam. 5. Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Twenty percent of all newly diagnosed patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) are >75 years. Elderly patients may show more toxicity due to co-morbidity. We evaluated motives for adherence to treatment guidelines, completion of treatment and toxicity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Population-based data from patients aged ≥75 years and diagnosed with SCLC in 1997-2004 in The Netherlands were used (368 limited disease and 577 extensive disease). Additional data on co-morbidity (Adult Co-morbidity Evaluation 27), World Health Organisation performance status (PS), treatment, motive for no chemotherapy, adaptations and underlying motive and grade 3 or 4 toxicity were gathered from the medical records. RESULTS: Forty-eight percent did not receive chemotherapy. The most common motives were refusal by the patient or family, short life expectancy or a combination of high age, co-morbidity and poor PS. Although only relatively fit elderly were selected for chemotherapy, 60%-75% developed serious toxicity, and two-thirds of all patients could not complete the full chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: We hypothesise that a better selection by proper geriatric assessments is needed to achieve a more favourable balance between benefit and harm.
BACKGROUND: Twenty percent of all newly diagnosed patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) are >75 years. Elderly patients may show more toxicity due to co-morbidity. We evaluated motives for adherence to treatment guidelines, completion of treatment and toxicity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Population-based data from patients aged ≥75 years and diagnosed with SCLC in 1997-2004 in The Netherlands were used (368 limited disease and 577 extensive disease). Additional data on co-morbidity (Adult Co-morbidity Evaluation 27), World Health Organisation performance status (PS), treatment, motive for no chemotherapy, adaptations and underlying motive and grade 3 or 4 toxicity were gathered from the medical records. RESULTS: Forty-eight percent did not receive chemotherapy. The most common motives were refusal by the patient or family, short life expectancy or a combination of high age, co-morbidity and poor PS. Although only relatively fit elderly were selected for chemotherapy, 60%-75% developed serious toxicity, and two-thirds of all patients could not complete the full chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: We hypothesise that a better selection by proper geriatric assessments is needed to achieve a more favourable balance between benefit and harm.
Authors: Karlijn J G Schulkes; Carin A M Pouw; Elisabeth J M Driessen; Leontine J R van Elden; Frederiek van den Bos; Maryska L G Janssen-Heijnen; Jan-Willem J Lammers; Marije E Hamaker Journal: Lung Date: 2017-06-19 Impact factor: 2.584
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