Geriatric Assessment as a Predictor of Tolerance, Quality of Life, and Outcomes in Older Patients With Head and Neck Cancers and Lung Cancers Receiving Radiation Therapy.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the association between functional status based on a geriatric assessment (GA) and outcomes of tolerance to treatment in patients with lung or head and neck cancer receiving radiation therapy (RT) or chemoradiation (CRT).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A prospective cohort study was conducted in patients aged ≥65 years with head and neck cancer or lung cancer undergoing curative intent RT or CRT. Pretreatment GA, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and patient-reported outcomes (PRO) were obtained. Questionnaires were repeated biweekly during RT and at 6 weeks after treatment. Dysfunction was defined as scores <14 on the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale. Poor tolerance to treatment was defined by hospitalization, >3-day treatment delay, change in RT or CRT regimen, or death. Associations of dysfunction with tolerance to radiation therapy, HRQoL changes, and PRO ratings were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 50 patients accrued, 46 had evaluable data. Mean age was 72.5 years (range, 65-92 years). At baseline, 37% had dysfunction. Poor tolerance to RT or CRT occurred in 39%. There was no association between dysfunction and tolerance. Patients with dysfunction had lower baseline HRQoL scores. From baseline to end of RT, those with baseline dysfunction had less of a decline in Role Functioning (P=.01) and Global Health Score (P=.04) domains. However, from end of RT to 6-week follow-up, those with dysfunction were more likely to continue to drop in the Physical, Role Functioning, and Social domains (all P<.01). Dysfunction at baseline was also associated with higher severity of certain PROs.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment dysfunction was associated with continued decline and lack of recovery of HRQoL in this patient population. Larger studies could further elucidate the GA's predictive value.