The association of age with acute toxicities in NRG oncology combined modality lower GI cancer trials Journal Article


Authors: VanderWalde, N.; Moughan, J.; Lichtman, S. M.; Jagsi, R.; Ballo, M.; VanderWalde, A.; Mohiuddin, M.; Meropol, N. J.; Kachnic, L.; Berger, A.; Ajani, J.; Anne, R.; Hopkins, J. L.; Arora, A.; Meyer, J.; Ellsworth, S. G.; Lee, R. J.; Green, N.; Crane, C. H.
Article Title: The association of age with acute toxicities in NRG oncology combined modality lower GI cancer trials
Abstract: Purpose: Expected toxicity from chemoradiation (CRT) is an important factor in treatment decisions but is poorly understood in older adults with lower gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. Our objective was to compare acute adverse events (AAEs) of older and younger adults with lower GI malignancies treated on NRG studies. Methods: Data from 6 NRG trials, testing combined modality therapy in patients with anal or rectal cancer, were used to test the hypothesis that older age was associated with increased AAEs. AAEs and compliance with protocol-directed therapy were compared between patients aged ≥70 and < 70. Categorical variables were compared across age groups using the chi-square test. The association of age on AAEs was evaluated using a covariate-adjusted logistic regression model, with odds ratio (OR) reported. To adjust for multiple comparisons, a p-value <0.01 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were 2525 patients, including 380 patients ≥70 years old (15%) evaluable. Older patients were more likely to have worse baseline performance status (PS 1 or 2) (23% vs. 16%, p = 0.001), but otherwise baseline characteristics were similar. Older patients were less likely to complete their chemotherapy (78% vs. 87%, p < 0.001), but had similar RT duration. On univariate analysis, older patients were more likely to experience grade ≥ 3 GI AAEs (36% vs. 23%, p < 0.001), and less likely to experience grade ≥ 3 skin AAEs (8% vs. 14%, p = 0.002). On multivariable analysis, older age was associated with grade ≥ 3 GI AAE (OR 1.93, 95% CI: 1.52, 2.47, p < 0.001) after adjusting for sex, race, PS, and disease site. Conclusions: Older patients with lower GI cancers who underwent CRT were less likely to complete chemotherapy and had higher rates of grade 3+ GI AAEs. These results can be used to counsel older adults prior to treatment and manage expected toxicities throughout pelvic CRT. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd
Keywords: cancer chemotherapy; controlled study; aged; major clinical study; cancer localization; intensity modulated radiation therapy; fluorouracil; capecitabine; cancer adjuvant therapy; cancer radiotherapy; disease free survival; combined modality therapy; prospective study; blood toxicity; cancer therapy; irinotecan; digestive system cancer; health care quality; adverse outcome; radiotherapy, intensity-modulated; folinic acid; sex difference; age distribution; toxicity; mitomycin; oxaliplatin; anus cancer; rectal neoplasms; rectum cancer; rectum tumor; patient counseling; chemoradiotherapy; rectal cancer; adverse event; anal cancer; protocol compliance; procedures; geriatric oncology; humans; human; male; female; article
Journal Title: Journal of Geriatric Oncology
Volume: 13
Issue: 3
ISSN: 1879-4068
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2022-04-01
Start Page: 294
End Page: 301
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2021.10.008
PUBMED: 34756496
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC8967782
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 25 April 2022 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Stuart Lichtman
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  2. Christopher   Crane
    201 Crane