Are frailty markers useful for predicting treatment toxicity and mortality in older newly diagnosed cancer patients? Results from a prospective pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: The concept of frailty may be useful to characterize vulnerability. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the association between frailty/functional status and treatment toxicity at 3 months and mortality at 6 months.

Methods: Patients aged ≥65 years referred to the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, with a new cancer diagnosis. Seven frailty markers and 4 functional status measures were examined. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between frailty/functional status and toxicity, and Cox models for time to death.

Results: 112 participated, median age 74.1, 31 had toxicity and 15 died. At baseline, 88% had ≥1 frailty marker. Low grip strength predicted toxicity (OR 8.47, 95%CI: 1.3-53.6), ECOG performance status and ADL disability predicted time to death.

Conclusion: The majority had ≥1 frailty marker. Low grip strength predicted toxicity, none of the functional measures did. Further researcher investigating the usefulness of frailty markers is needed.