The impact of comprehensive geriatric assessment for optimal treatment of older patients with cancer: A randomized parallel-group clinical trial

J Geriatr Oncol. 2020 Apr;11(3):488-495. doi: 10.1016/j.jgo.2019.06.019. Epub 2019 Jul 3.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim was to investigate if oncologic treatment decision based on G8 screening followed by comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and a multidisciplinary team conference in patients with G8 ≤ 14 was better than treatment decision based on standard assessment. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02671994.

Materials and methods: From January 2016 to June 2018, 96 patients with cancer, aged ≥70 years, were included. Patients were randomized to treatment decision based on the oncologist's clinical judgement (control) or based on screening with G8. If G8 > 14 treatment decision was made as in the control group and if G8 ≤ 14, patients were referred to CGA including intervention as needed and treatment decision after a multidisciplinary team conference (MDT).

Results: The study was closed early. 47 patients were randomized to the control group and 49 to the intervention group; 28 had a G8 ≤ 14, 24 of whom attended CGA. In the intervention group 48% completed treatment as planned compared to 54% in the control group (p = .208). Thirty-eight percent experienced grade 3-4 toxicity in the control group compared with only 20% in the intervention group (p = .055). Median overall survival (OS) was 14.2 months in the control group and 19.1 months in the intervention group (p = .911). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 9.0 months in the control group and 7.8 months for the intervention group (p = .838).

Conclusion: Treatment decision based on G8 screening followed by CGA had no impact on completion rate of planned oncologic treatment, OS or PFS, but resulted in a borderline significant lower incidence of grade 3-4 toxicity.

Keywords: Cancer; Comprehensive geriatric assessment; Gynecological cancer; Lung cancer; Older patient; Randomized controlled trial; Treatment decision; Urological cancer.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Geriatric Assessment*
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening
  • Medical Oncology
  • Neoplasms* / therapy

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02671994