Geriatric assessment for older patients with breast cancer: A single-institution study

Strategies to enhance management of HER2-positive breast cancer in the elderly: an expert consensus perspective

Therapeutic decision-making for older patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer highlights the importance of a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). This assessment considers the functional status, comorbidities, and relevant conditions of the patient, and allows for an estimation of life expectancy, but it does not facilitate individualized treatment plans. There are also other challenges to consider related to the cardiac toxicity of the treatments and the under-representation of older patients in clinical trials. The Oncogeriatrics Section of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica, SEOM), the Spanish Group for Breast Cancer Research (Grupo Español de Investigación en Cáncer de Mama, GEICAM) and the Spanish Group of Study, Treatment and other Experimental Strategies in Solid Tumours (Grupo Español de Estudio, Tratamiento y otras Estrategias Experimentales en Tumores Sólidos, SOLTI) have gathered an expert committee to evaluate the scientific evidence on the management of older patients with HER2-positive breast cancer and to establish recommendations based on a comprehensive review of the existing literature. These recommendations underscore the importance of individualizing treatment plans based on the patient's physical status and tolerability to maximize efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Emphasis is placed on adapting neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies according to geriatric assessment and specific patient needs. A careful selection of treatment schedules for advanced stages is needed to improve survival and quality of life, assuming that scientific evidence in this age group is limited.

Mastectomy, HER2 Receptor Positivity, NPI, Late Stage and Luminal B-Type Tumor as Poor Prognostic Factors in Geriatric Patients with Breast Cancer

Background/Objectives: This study aims to explore the risk factors associated with poor survival outcomes in geriatric female patients with breast cancer. Methods: This study utilized data from the METABRIC database to evaluate the risk factors associated with poor survival outcomes among geriatric breast cancer patients. A total of 2909 female patients, 766 of whom were geriatric, were included in the study. The effects of the type of surgery; breast cancer types; cellularity; Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status; molecular class; axillary lymph nodes; Nottingham prognostic index (NPI); status of receiving systemic chemotherapy (SCT), hormone therapy (HT), and radiotherapy (RT); tumor size and tumor on overall survival (OS); and progression-free status (PFS) of geriatric patients were investigated. Additionally, the disease-specific survival of geriatric patients was compared with other patients. Results: HER2 receptor positivity, advanced-stage tumors (T3-T4), a high NPI, and Luminal B subtypes were significant predictors of worse outcomes. Conversely, Luminal A tumors, associated with favorable hormonal responsiveness, demonstrated the best progression-free survival (PFS). HER2-positive patients exhibited a poorer PFS compared to their HER2-negative counterparts, underscoring the need for careful management of aggressive subtypes in older adults. Additionally, patients undergoing mastectomy were less likely to receive adjuvant therapies, contributing to inferior outcomes compared to breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Conclusions: Mastectomy, HER2 positivity, high NPI, advanced stages, and Luminal B tumors are significant prognostic factors in geriatric breast cancer patients.

Implementation of an Oncogeriatric Unit for Frail Older Patients with Breast Cancer: Preliminary Results

(1) Background: Breast cancer (BC) has a high incidence in Europe, particularly in older adults. Traditionally under-represented in clinical trials, this age group is often undertreated due to ageism. This study aims to characterize frail older adults (≥70 years) with BC based on a comprehensive geriatric assessment, to guide individualized treatment decision-making. (2) Methods: A descriptive analysis of older adults with BC treated from January 2021 to December 2022 was performed. Data were analyzed based on anonymized electronic medical records. (3) Results: Of 123 patients (mean age 84.0 ± 5.6 years), 122 (99.2%) were women. The mean G8 screening score was 12.1 ± 2.5. Most had functional dependence (69.9% Barthel Index, 81.3% Lawton/Brody Scale) and a moderate-to-high risk of falling (76.4% Tinetti index). Cognitive impairment and malnutrition risk were present in 15.4% and 30.1%, respectively. Prehabilitation inclusive strategies led to adapted treatment in 55.3% of cases. Endocrine therapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy was used in 99.2%, 56.1%, 35.0%, and 8.9% of patients, respectively. (4) Conclusions: Our comprehensive oncogeriatric strategy promotes personalized oncologic treatment, improves outcomes by addressing frailty, and enhances treatment tolerability in older patients with BC, validating the expansion of this combined team approach to other cancer types and institutions.

Examining provider perceptions and practices for comprehensive geriatric assessment among cancer survivors: a qualitative study with an implementation science focus

Introduction: Cancer rates increase with age, and older cancer survivors have unique medical care needs, making assessment of health status and identification of appropriate supportive resources key to delivery of optimal cancer care. Comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGAs) help determine an older person's functional capabilities as cancer care providers plan treatment and follow-up care. Despite its proven utility, research on implementation of CGA is lacking. Methods: Guided by a qualitative description approach and through interviews with primary care providers and oncologists, our goal was to better understand barriers and facilitators of CGA use and identify training and support needs for implementation. Participants were identified through Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network partner listservs and a national cancer and aging organization. Potential interviewees, contacted via email, were provided with a description of the study purpose. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom, recorded, and transcribed verbatim by a professional transcription service. The interview guide explored providers' knowledge and use of CGAs. For codebook development, three representative transcripts were independently reviewed and coded by four team members. The interpretive process involved reflecting, transcribing, coding, and searching for and identifying themes. Results: Providers shared that, while it would be ideal to administer CGAs with all new patients, they were not always able to do this. Instead, they used brief screening tools or portions of CGAs, or both. There was variability in how CGA domains were assessed; however, all considered CGAs useful and they communicated with patients about their benefits. Identified facilitators of implementation included having clinic champions, an interdisciplinary care team to assist with implementation and referrals for intervention, and institutional resources and buy-in. Barriers noted included limited staff capacity and competing demands on time, provider inexperience, and misaligned institutional priorities. Discussion: Findings can guide solutions for improving the broader and more systematic use of CGAs in the care of older cancer patients. Uptake of processes like CGA to better identify those at risk of poor outcomes and intervening early to modify treatments are critical to maximize the health of the growing population of older cancer survivors living through and beyond their disease.