Abstract 476P
Background
Cancer treatment in elderly patients (≥60 years) often involves unique challenges that can significantly impact their quality of life (QoL). Most of the data on QoL are available from the west and there is a paucity of data on the applicability of QoL questionnaires in the cancer patients from India.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of elderly cancer patients on systemic therapy. Data on patient demographics, diagnosis, and treatment cycles were collected and analysed. The assessment of QoL was performed using standard EORTC QLQ-C30 version 3.0.
Results
The study included 50 elderly cancer patients, with the following distribution across QoL scores: • QL2 Score : Predominantly in the ‘Good' (31 patients), followed by ‘Very Good' (12) and ‘Excellent' (4) • PF2 Score: Most patients fell into ‘Good' (9) and ‘Very Good' (12) categories, with 10 patients rated ‘Excellent' • RF2 Score : Highest in ‘Very Good' (23) and ‘Excellent' (17) categories • EF Score: Most patients rated ‘Good' (18) and ‘Very Good' (16), with 8 patients in the ‘Excellent" • CF Score : ‘Excellent' (36) was the most common rating, indicating strong cognitive functioning. • SF Score : A significant number rated ‘Excellent' (18) and ‘Very Good' (14) • NV Score : Majority experienced severe nausea/vomiting 44 patients rated ‘Poor' • PA Score : Pain was significant, with 29 patients "Poor" • DY Score : High dyspnoea levels were observed 47 patients rated ‘Poor' • SL Score : Insomnia was prevalent, with 43 patients rated ‘Poor'. • AP Score : Appetite loss with 19 patients rated ‘Good'. • CO Score : Constipation affected many, with 45 patients rated ‘Poor'. • DI Score : Diarrhoea was less common, with most patients in the ‘Poor' category. • FI Score : Financial difficulties were significant, with 25 patients rated ‘Poor'.
Conclusions
The QoL among elderly cancer patients in this tertiary care center reveals significant challenges, particularly in domains related to physical symptoms like nausea, pain, and dyspnoea, as well as financial difficulties. The data indicates that while cognitive and social functioning remain relatively high, there is a critical need for interventions targeting symptom management and financial support to enhance overall QoL.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
All India Institute of Medical Sciences – Bhubaneswar.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.