Chemotherapy toxicities and geriatric syndromes in older patients with malignant gliomas.

Journal of Geriatric Oncology
Andrea WasilewskiNimish Mohile

Abstract

To describe treatment toxicities and polypharmacy in older patients with malignant gliomas (MG). Advanced age in cancer patients is associated with increased treatment-related toxicities, acute care utilization and functional decline. Most patients with MG are over age 65, yet treatment patterns and toxicities are poorly defined. A retrospective chart review of 125 patients with MG age 65 or older at the University of Rochester from January 2012 to December 2018. 115 patients with glioblastoma and 10 with anaplastic astrocytoma had a median age of 71 (range 65-89) at diagnosis and median overall survival (OS) of 10.3 months. Radiotherapy (RT) was offered and completed in 79% (fractionated, n = 69, hypofractionated, n = 30). 24% of the 98 patients treated with concurrent temozolomide (TMZ) experienced treatment delays (n = 24). Median of 4 cycles of adjuvant TMZ were taken by 61% (n = 76). Delays and dose reductions occurred in 55% during treatment with adjuvant TMZ, most commonly due to thrombocytopenia (n = 29) and fatigue (n = 15). 16/98 patients required transfusions during treatment with concurrent or adjuvant TMZ. At baseline, patients were prescribed a median of 11 medications. OS was longer in patients prescribed less th...Continue Reading

Citations

Jan 23, 2021·World Neurosurgery·Ravi S NunnaRichard W Byrne

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