Age differences in symptom burden of patients with advanced cancer admitted to an acute palliative care unit

The aim of this study was to assess the differences in the pattern of symptoms and their changes after a comprehensive palliative care treatment in older patients in comparison with adults, who were admitted to an acute palliative care unit (APCU). Patients were categorized into three age ranges: adults (< 65 years, group A), old (65-74 years, group O), very old (75-84 years, group OO). The following parameters were collected: general characteristics, recent anticancer treatments, on/off treatment, previous care setting, Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS), opioid doses, expressed as oral morphine equivalents (OME). Five-hundred-and-twenty patients were surveyed. Older patients had a lower Karnofsky level, were discharged on-therapy in a lower number of cases, and had a lower overall survival. The age-related differences in pain and dyspnea intensities recorded at admission, were nullified after a comprehensive palliative care treatment. Lower doses of opioids were effective. The APCU's consistency and the expertise of its team contributed to improved outcomes of the elderly.