Geriatric-assessment-identified functional deficits among adults with multiple myeloma with normal performance status

Findings from a brief geriatric assessment (GA) in a cohort of adults with multiple myeloma (MM) are presented, with particular attention to the utility of the GA in identifying important deficits in adults judged to have a normal Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS ≥ 80).

Adults age 18 and older with MM were recruited into an observational study from 2018 to 2020. A modified Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG) GA was administered at enrollment. Enrollees also completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life of Cancer Patients Core 30 questionnaire (QLQ-C30), with subscales of physical, social, role, and cognitive functioning (range 0-100; higher values indicate better function). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for the full cohort and stratified by concurrent KPS (score < 80 vs ≥ 80).

Among 89 adults, the mean age was 69.1 years, 68% were aged ≥65 years, and 70% were white. In this cohort, 78% had KPS ≥ 80. Among those with KPS ≥ 80, functional impairments (Timed Up and Go ≥14 s and dependence in ≥1 instrumental activity of daily living) were seen in 30% and 21%, respectively, with 11% reporting ≥1 fall in the prior 6 months. At least two GA-identified deficits were detected in 50% of the overall cohort and in 41% of those with KPS ≥ 80. Among those with KPS ≥ 80, self-reported physical impairment on EORTC QLQ-C30 was noted by 34%.

Using a modified CARG GA and EORTC questionnaire, functional impairments were identified among adults considered to have a good performance status based on a KPS (≥ 80). Future studies should focus on using GA measures for therapy assignment and identifying opportunities for intervening upon GA-identified deficits.