Cognitive function and ability to complete a web-based geriatric assessment among older adults with cancer.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was determined whether cognitive impairment is associated with time taken to complete the electronic rapid fitness assessment (eRFA). We hypothesized that taking more time to complete the eRFA will indicate worsened cognitive function. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients who presented to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Geriatrics Service for preoperative evaluation and completed the eRFA as a part of their preoperative assessment from February 2015 to December 2020. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Cog©, which is a screening test for cognitive function status. Patients in this study underwent elective surgery and had a hospital length of stay ≥1 day. Time to complete the eRFA was automatically recorded by a web-based tool; assistance with eRFA completion was self-reported by the patient. In total, 2599 patients were included, of which 2387 had available Mini-Cog© scores. RESULTS: Overall, 50% of surveys were completed without assistance, 37% were completed with assistance, and 13% were completed by somebody else; Mini-Cog© scores were lower, corresponding to worsened cognitive function status, in patients requiring assistance (median score respectively, 5 vs. 4 vs. 3; p-value <0.0001; rates of cognitive impairment 7.5%, 22%, and 38%). Among patients who completed the questionnaire independently, greater cognitive impairment was associated with longer time to complete the eRFA (change in score per 5 min = -0.09; 95% CI -0.14, -0.03; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: We found evidence that requirement for assistance in completing web-based questionnaires, and time taken to complete a questionnaire, predict which patients benefit from more comprehensive cognitive function assessments. Future studies should further validate this finding in a more diverse population and establish optimal clinical pathways.

Assessment of Patients With Prostate Cancer and Their Understanding of the International Prostate Symptom Score Questionnaire.

Purpose: The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) is a widely used tool for evaluating patient-reported lower urinary tract symptoms. In this study, we assessed patients with prostate cancer and their understanding of IPSS questions. Methods and Materials: Consecutive patients with prostate cancer (N = 144) self-completed an online IPSS questionnaire within 1 week before their visit at our radiation oncology clinic. At the visit, a nurse reviewed each IPSS question to ensure the patient understood it and then verified the patient's answer. Preverified and nurse-verified scores were recorded and analyzed for discrepancies. Results: Complete concordance between preverified and nurse-verified responses to individual IPSS questions existed for 70 men (49%). In terms of overall IPSS score, 61 men (42%) had a lower or improved IPSS after nurse verification, and 9 men (6%) had a higher or worse IPSS. Before verification, patients overstated their symptoms of frequency, intermittency, and incomplete emptying. As a result of the nurse verification, 4 of 7 patients with IPSS in the severe range (20-35) were recategorized to the moderate range (8-19). Sixteen percent of patients whose preverified IPSS were in the moderate range were recategorized after nurse verification to the mild range (0-7). Treatment option eligibility changed for 10% of patients after nurse verification. Conclusions: Patients frequently misunderstand the IPSS questionnaire, leading them to respond in ways that do not accurately reflect their symptoms. Clinicians should verify patient understanding of the IPSS questions, particularly when using the score to determine eligibility for treatments.

The association between perioperative frailty and ability to complete a web-based geriatric assessment among older adults with cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the degree to which patient frailty is associated with both need for assistance and time required to complete the eRFA, a web-based GA tool. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients who underwent surgery for cancer from 2015 to 2020, had a hospital length of stay ≥1 day, and completed the eRFA before surgery. Frailty was assessed using two methods: the MSK-FI (score 0-11) and the AGD (score 0-13). Time to complete the eRFA was automatically recorded by a web-based tool; assistance with eRFA completion was self-reported by the patient. RESULTS: In total, 3456 patients were included (median age, 78 years). Overall, 58% of surveys were completed without assistance, 30% were completed with assistance, and 12% were completed by someone other than the patient. Younger age (median age: without assistance, 77 years; with assistance, 80 years; completed by someone else, 80 years) and lower frailty score (median AGD: 4, 6, and 8, respectively; median MSK-FI: 2, 3, and 3, respectively) were associated with independency (all p < 0.001). Higher frailty score was associated with longer time to complete the eRFA (all nonlinear association p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Frail patients are more likely to benefit from completion of GA to determine appropriate treatment. Given that not all cancer patients have a caregiver who can assist completing a digital questionnaire, innovative solutions are needed to help frail patients complete the eRFA without assistance.

Assessment of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients With Anal Squamous-Cell Cancer Undergoing Combined Modality Therapy.

BACKGROUND: There is limited knowledge on long-term bowel, sexual, and urinary function after combined modality therapy for anal squamous-cell cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate long-term changes in patients treated with combined modality. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of prospectively collected patient-reported outcome surveys. SETTING: This study was conducted at a single institution. PATIENTS: There were 143 patients with stage I to III anal cancer who were treated with chemoradiation and had completed the survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: This study included patient-reported outcomes reflecting bowel, sexual, and urinary function. RESULTS: Thirty-nine percent of patients had major low anterior resection syndrome at baseline. Major low anterior resection syndrome remained stable (38%; 95% CI, 31%-46%) with no change over time (OR 0.95; 95% CI, 0.74-1.21; p = 0.7). Higher rates of major low anterior resection syndrome were observed for patients who had major low anterior resection syndrome at baseline (OR 20.7; 95% CI 4.70-91.3; p < 0.001) and for females (OR 2.14; 95% CI, 1.01-4.56; p = 0.047). On 5-point scales, we saw a nonsignificant increased level of sexual arousal during sexual activity after therapy for women (ß for 1 year = 0.15; 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.32; p = 0.072) and nonsignificant decreased confidence in getting and keeping an erection after therapy for men (ß for 1 year = -0.33; 95% CI, -0.66 to 0.00; p = 0.053). LIMITATIONS: This was a single-institution study and only patients who answered the questionnaire were included in the study. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of patients have major low anterior resection syndrome at baseline and after successful treatment for anal cancer. Having major low anterior resection syndrome at baseline was the biggest predictor of having major low anterior resection syndrome after treatment. Bowel, sexual, and urinary function did not improve over time up to 2 years after end of treatment. Physicians should counsel their patients before treatment that baseline poor bowel function is a risk factor for posttreatment bowel dysfunction. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C29 . EVALUACIN DE LOS RESULTADOS INFORMADOS POR LOS PACIENTES CON CNCER ANAL DE CLULAS ESCAMOSAS QUE SE SOMETEN A UNA TERAPIA DE MODALIDAD COMBINADA: ANTECEDENTES:Existe un conocimiento limitado sobre la función intestinal, sexual y urinaria a largo plazo después de la terapia de modalidad combinada para el cáncer anal de células escamosas.OBJETIVO:Evaluar los cambios a largo plazo en la función intestinal, sexual y urinaria en pacientes tratados con modalidad combinada.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio retrospectivo de encuestas de resultados informadas por pacientes recolectadas prospectivamente.ESCENARIO:Institución única.PACIENTES:Fueron 143 pacientes con cáncer anal en estadio I-III que fueron tratados con quimiorradiación y completaron la encuesta.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Resultados reportados por el paciente que reflejan la función intestinal, sexual, y urinaria.RESULTADOS:Treinta y nueve por ciento de los pacientes tenían puntajes importantes de síndrome de resección anterior bajo al inicio del estudio. Las puntuaciones del síndrome de resección anterior baja mayor permanecieron estables (38 %; IC del 95%: 31 %, 46 %) sin cambios con el tiempo (OR 0,95, IC del 95%: 0,74, 1,21, p = 0,7). Se observaron tasas más altas de puntuaciones del síndrome de resección anterior baja mayor para los pacientes que tenían puntuaciones del síndrome de resección anterior baja mayor desde el inicio (OR 20,7; IC del 95%: 4,70; 91,3, p < 0,001) y para las mujeres (OR 2,14; IC del 95%: 1,01, 4,56; p = 0,047). En escalas de 5 puntos, observamos un aumento no significativo del nivel de excitación sexual durante la actividad sexual después de la terapia para las mujeres (ß durante 1 año = 0,15; IC del 95%: -0,01, 0,32; p = 0,072) y una disminución no significativa de la confianza en lograr y mantener una erección después de la terapia para hombres (ß para 1 año = -0,33; IC del 95%: -0,66, 0,00; p = 0,053).LIMITACIONES:Este es un estudio de una sola institución. Solo se incluyeron en el estudio los pacientes que contestaron el cuestionario.CONCLUSIONES:Una proporción significativa de pacientes tienen puntajes de síndrome de resección anterior muy bajos al inicio del estudio y después de un tratamiento exitoso para el cáncer anal. Tener puntajes de síndrome de resección anterior bajos importantes al inicio del estudio fue el predictor más importante de tener puntajes de síndrome de resección anterior bajos importantes después del tratamiento. La función intestinal, sexual y urinaria no mejoró con el tiempo hasta 2 años después de finalizar el tratamiento. Los médicos deben aconsejar a sus pacientes antes del tratamiento que la mala función intestinal inicial es un factor de riesgo para la disfunción intestinal posterior al tratamiento. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C29 . (Traducción-Dr. Yolanda Colorado ).

Assessment of Frailty Can Guide Decision Making for Utilization of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Patients with Thick Melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is often omitted in selected patients with advanced primary melanoma, although the justification/criteria for omission have been debated. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether assessment of frailty could serve as an objective marker to guide selection for SLNB in patients with advanced primary melanoma. METHODS: Patients presenting with clinical stage IIC (ulcerated, > 4 mm Breslow thickness) cutaneous melanoma from January 1999 through June 2019 were included. Frailty was assessed using the Memorial Sloan Kettering Frailty Index (MSK FI), a composite score of functional status and medical comorbidities. Five-year melanoma-specific survival (MSS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Cox regression, and predictors of OS were identified using competing risk models. RESULTS: MSS did not differ between patients who did (n = 451) or did not undergo SLNB (n = 179) [63.2% vs. 65.0%, p = 0.14]; however, omission of SLNB was associated with decreased 5-year OS (29% vs. 44%, p < 0.001). In a multivariable competing risk model, selection for SLNB omission was an independent predictor of death from non-melanoma causes (hazard ratio [HR] 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-2.3, p < 0.001). After incorporation of the MSK FI score into the multivariable model in this subset, MSK FI (HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.5-4.1, p < 0.001), but not SLNB omission, was an independent predictor of poorer OS. CONCLUSION: We observed worse OS in patients with thick melanoma selected not to undergo SLNB, which was attributed to death due to non-melanoma causes. Formal assessment of frailty may provide an objective prognostic measure to guide selective use of SLNB in these patients.

Electronic Rapid Fitness Assessment Identifies Factors Associated with Adverse Early Postoperative Outcomes following Radical Cystectomy.

PURPOSE: Frailty is associated with adverse outcomes following radical cystectomy. Prospective tools to identify factors affecting outcomes are needed. We describe a novel electronic rapid fitness assessment to evaluate geriatric patients undergoing radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Before undergoing radical cystectomy between February 2015 and February 2018, 80 patients older than age 75 years completed the electronic rapid fitness assessment and were perioperatively comanaged by the Geriatrics Service. Physical function and cognitive function over 12 domains were evaluated and an accumulated geriatric deficit score was compiled. Hospital length of stay, discharge disposition, unplanned intensive care unit admissions, urgent care visits, readmissions, complications and deaths were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer without concomitant procedures completed the assessment. Median age was 80 (77, 84) years and 52 (80%) were male. A higher proportion of patients with intensive care unit admission, urgent care visit and major complications had impairments identified within electronic rapid fitness assessment domains, including Timed Up and Go. Readmission rates were similar between patients with or without deficits identified. Higher accumulated geriatric deficit score was significantly associated with intensive care unit admission (p=0.035), death within 90 days (p=0.037) and discharge to other than home (p=0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the feasibility of assessing fitness in patients older than 75 years undergoing radical cystectomy using a novel electronic fitness tool. Physical limitations and overall impairment corresponded to higher intensive care unit admission rates and adverse postoperative outcomes. Larger studies in less resourced environments are required to validate these findings.