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01-10-2018 | Original Article

Factors predicting intolerance to definitive conventional radiotherapy in geriatric patients

Authors: Chai Hong Rim, MD, Won Sup Yoon, MD PhD, Jung Ae Lee, MD PhD, Dae Sik Yang, MD PhD, Nam Kwon Lee, MD PhD, Young Je Park, MD PhD, Chul Yong Kim, MD PhD

Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie | Issue 10/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Although radiotherapy can be administered with a relatively low therapeutic burden, many elderly patients do not complete radiotherapy. In order to predict intolerance during radiotherapy, this study retrospectively analyzed the frequency of and risk factors for radiotherapy interruption among geriatric patients.

Methods

From September 2009 to December 2016, 353 patients aged ≥70 years received definitive radiotherapy with a conventionally fractionated schedule. “Total interruption” included completion of ≤90% of a planned radiotherapy, temporary discontinuation, and treatment-related mortality within 2 months. “Early-phase incompletion” and “mid-phase incompletion” represented completion of ≤50 and ≤80% of a planned radiotherapy, respectively.

Results

The median age of patients was 74 years. Early- and mid-phase incompletions and total interruption occurred in 4.2, 9.3, and 19.3% of patients, respectively. Total interruption occurred frequently in cancers involving the thorax (27.4%), head and neck (23.1%), abdomen (20.0%), pelvis (17.4%), and breast/extremity (8.1%). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score (P = 0.004 and 0.002), serum albumin level (P = 0.016 and 0.002), and the expected 5‑year survival (P = 0.033 and 0.034) were significant factors for mid-phase incompletion and total interruption. Age ≥ 75 years (P = 0.008), concurrent chemotherapy (P = 0.017), and the extent of radiation field (P = 0.027) were factors associated with total interruption.

Conclusion

Overall, 19.3% of the elderly patients showed treatment intolerance during conventional radiotherapy. Serum albumin level and ECOG performance score should be considered as surrogate markers for radiotherapy interruption prior to the decision regarding definite conventional radiotherapy.

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Title: Factors predicting intolerance to definitive conventional radiotherapy in geriatric patients
Authors: Chai Hong Rim, MD
Won Sup Yoon, MD PhD
Jung Ae Lee, MD PhD
Dae Sik Yang, MD PhD
Nam Kwon Lee, MD PhD
Young Je Park, MD PhD
Chul Yong Kim, MD PhD
Publication date: 01-10-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie / Issue 10/2018
Print ISSN: 0179-7158
Electronic ISSN: 1439-099X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-018-1318-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Factors predicting intolerance to definitive conventional radiotherapy in geriatric patients

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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