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 ) .
Hematologic improvement and response in elderly AML/RAEB patients treated with valproic acid and low-dose Ara-C.
The histone deacetylase inhibitor ( HDACi ) valproic acid ( VPA ) has been shown to be active on acute myeloid leukemia ( AML ) and refractory anemia with excess of blasts ( RAEB ) . Thirty-one elderly AML/RAEB patients ( AML n=25 ; RAEB n=6 ) with a high rate of comorbidity were entered in a phase II study with low-dose cytarabine ( Ara-C ) and VPA .  Fitness was evaluated by means of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment ( CGA ) , including the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale ( CIRS ) score , the self-sufficiency scores of Activity of Daily Living ( ADL ) and Instrumental Activity of Daily Living ( IADL ) . Eight patients obtained a lasting complete remission and 3 other patients obtained hematologic improvement for a total response rate of 35 % . Five of 11 responding patients were relapsed or resistant after a previous treatment with Ara-C. Seven of 11 responding patients were assessed as frail at enrollment and /or had IADL impairment . Grade s 3 and 4 toxicities were mainly hematological . Low-dose Ara-C and VPA is a relatively non-toxic combination with good therapeutic activity in elderly patients with AML/RAEB . This therapeutic approach represents an alternative treatment for patients who can not undergo st and ard induction therapy
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 ) .