The prognostic value of G8 for functional decline.

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Oncology
• Clinical Oncology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Functional decline (FD) in older adults during cancer treatment is associated with adverse outcomes.
• Geriatric assessment, including screening tools like G8 and comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), is crucial for older cancer patients.
• Limited availability of geriatricians hinders the implementation of geriatric oncology management in many centers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if a simplified approach using the G8 screening tool and routinely available factors can help oncologists predict outcomes in patients aged 70 and older.
• To determine if functional decline (FD) is a predictor of early death in elderly patients receiving first-line chemotherapy.
• To identify pretreatment predictors of early functional decline, specifically incorporating the G8 score and excluding CGA.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 292 patients aged 70 and older receiving first-line chemotherapy was analyzed.
• Clinical and biological factors, along with early FD, were assessed to predict early death.
• Logistic regression was used to identify pretreatment predictors of FD, including G8 scores but excluding CGA.

Main Results:

• Functional decline (FD) occurred in 48 patients.
• Early FD, disease extension, and male gender were significant predictors of early death.
• The G8 screening tool was the sole significant predictor of early functional decline (FD).

Conclusions:

• Functional decline (FD) holds significant prognostic value for older patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• The G8 screening tool is a reliable predictor of functional decline (FD) in this patient population.
• Routine use of the G8 tool is recommended for managing elderly patients receiving chemotherapy.