Intrinsic capacity in community-dwelling older adults and cancer survivors: a comparative study

To compare intrinsic capacity (IC) between older cancer survivors and community-dwelling older adults, and to examine the association between cancer history and IC using the ICOPE framework.

This cross-sectional study included 64 older adult cancer survivors who completed chemotherapy at least 12 months (CSG) prior and 52 community-dwelling older adults without cancer (CG). IC was assessed across five domains (cognitive, psychological, sensory, locomotor, and vitality), each scored from 0 to 2 points, yielding a total IC score (0-10). Participants were classified as: preserved IC (9-10), decline (5-8), or significant loss (≤ 4). Group comparisons were performed using t-tests, and associations between cancer history and IC were analyzed with multiple linear regression adjusted for age, sex, and platinum-based chemotherapy.

The CG had a mean age of 69 years (range 60-91; 37 females, 71.2%), while the CSG had a mean age of 71.4 years (range 60-90; 43 females, 67.2%). CSG scored significantly lower in cognitive, psychological, sensory, and locomotor domains compared to controls (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in vitality. Among CG, 51.9% had preserved IC versus 21.9% of survivors, while 10.9% of survivors exhibited significant IC loss compared to none in the CG. Regression analysis showed that absence of cancer was significantly associated with higher IC (p < 0.001).

CSG exhibit marked declines in specific domains of IC compared to their peers, even 1 year after treatment. The proposed IC scoring system may help identify functional vulnerabilities and support tailored interventions in geriatric oncology.