Consistent with our previous review , several domains of GA are associated with adverse outcomes .
BACKGROUND Our previous systematic review of geriatric assessment ( GA ) in oncology included a literature search up to November 2010 .
However , the quickly evolving field warranted an up date .
Aims of this review : ( i ) provide an overview of all GA instruments developed and /or in use in the oncology setting ; ( ii ) evaluate effectiveness of GA in predicting/modifying outcomes ( e.g. treatment decision impact , treatment toxicity , mortality , use of care ) .
Results of comprehensive geriatric assessment effect survival in patients with malignant lymphoma
Purpose The prevalence of elderly and comorbid patients ( pts ) with malignant lymphoma ( ML ) will steadily increase in future . Elderly patients comprise a heterogeneous population . Comprehensive geriatric assessment ( CGA ) is an established diagnostic tool in geriatric medicine . However , the prognostic value in patients with ML is unclear . We sought to establish a relationship between results of CGA and survival time in patients with ML . Methods Newly diagnosed patients with ML and indication for chemotherapeutical treatment were prospect ively recruited in an observational trial . In addition to usual diagnostic work up , a CGA including activities of daily living ( ADL ) , instrumental activities of daily living ( IADL ) and comorbidities  was performed . Association of patients ’ characteristics and results of CGA with survival were analysed according to Kaplan – Meier method and in a multivariate Cox-regression analysis . Results About 143 patients were included , median age was 63 years , 63 patients were women . Median follow-up of surviving patients was 62 months . Sixty-six patients died within this time . Advanced age , poor Karnofsky performance status , dependence in ADL and IADL and presence of severe comorbidity were significantly associated with shorter survival time . In a Cox-regression analysis , IADL ( HR 2.1 ; 95 % CI 1.1–3.9 ) and comorbidity ( HR 1.9 ; 95 % CI 0.9–3.9 ) were independent and strongest associated with survival time . Conclusion Results of CGA , such as IADL and comorbidities , are prognostic variables for survival of patients with ML . Results should be vali date d in homogeneous clinical groups and if confirmed included in diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm
Consistent with our previous review , several domains of GA are associated with adverse outcomes .
BACKGROUND Our previous systematic review of geriatric assessment ( GA ) in oncology included a literature search up to November 2010 .
However , the quickly evolving field warranted an up date .
Aims of this review : ( i ) provide an overview of all GA instruments developed and /or in use in the oncology setting ; ( ii ) evaluate effectiveness of GA in predicting/modifying outcomes ( e.g. treatment decision impact , treatment toxicity , mortality , use of care ) .