By Dr. Lorenzo Dottorini
1. Predicting chemotherapy toxicity in older adults: Comparing the predictive value of the CARG Toxicity Score with oncologists’ estimates of toxicity based on clinical judgement
Erin B. Moth et al. Journal of Geriatric Oncology https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgo.2018.08.010
In this study the authors aimed to evaluate the CARG score and compare it to oncologists’ estimates for predicting severe chemotherapy toxicity in older adults. The outcome showed that neither the CARG score, nor oncologists’ estimates based on clinical judgement, predicted severe chemotherapy-related toxicity in older Australian adults with cancer.
2. Screening for frailty among older patients with cancer using blood biomarkers of inflammation
Magnus Harneshaug et al. Journal of Geriatric Oncology https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgo.2018.07.003
Is there an association between frailty, inflammation and biomarkers of inflammation? That’s what the authors wanted to figure out. They discovered that there exists a strong association between Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), which combines C-reactive protein and albumin, and frailty.
3. Taking to Bed at the End of Life
Thomas M. et al. Jornal of the American Geriatrics Society https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.15822
Interesting analysis of 651 decedents older patients whose need of rest during the day was studied and a progressive growth has been seen in the last months of life. The authors concluded that the need to sleep could be an indicator that death is approaching and should prompt discussions about referral to a hospice.
4. Mental status evaluation in older adults with cancer: Development of the Mental Health Index-13
Mackenzi Pergolotti et al. Journal of Geriatric Oncology https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgo.2018.08.009
An evaluation of Mental Health Index-17 (MHI-17) in geriatric oncology population and further development of a shorter scale (MHI-13), more accurate and able to separately identify anxiety and/or depression in older patients.
5. Cetuximab monotherapy and cetuximab plus capecitabine as first-line treatment in older patients with RAS- and BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer. Results of the multicenter phase II trial SAKK 41/10
Dirk L. Kienle et al. Journal of Geriatric Oncology https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgo.2018.11.011
The objective of the authors was to evaluate low-intensity regimens in less fit elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer : the benefit of cetuximab, alone or in combination with capecitabine, was evaluated in vulnerable elderly patients with RAS/BRAF-wild-type mCRC. The trial was stopped prematurely due to slow accrual (24 patients, 11 in the monotherapy arm, 13 in the combination arm) but, bearing in mind the very small sample size, upfront cetuximab treatment appeared tolerable and showed promising activity in left-sided tumors in both treatment arms.
6. PARP inhibitors in older patients with ovarian and breast cancer: Young International Society of Geriatric Oncology review paper
Gabor Liposits et al. Journal of Geriatric Oncology https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgo.2018.10.008
Review paper by young SIOG about the use of PARP inhibitors in older patients with ovarian and breast cancer. The most recent and updated document on this subject.
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