Abstract 940P
Background
HNC is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Approximately 25% of HNC p are aged 70 and older and 70% of deaths occur in this group of p. Moreover, advanced age seems to be an independent prognostic factor. We aimed to assess the characteristics and outcome of a cohort of elderly p with HNC treated in a multidisciplinary unit.
Methods
We retrospectively analysed 151 p diagnosed of HNC and assessed in our HNCU during 2019 in order to evaluate the characteristics of 75 year old p or older (elderly p) and compare them with those of p younger than 75 years. All demographic, treatment and survival data were extracted from available electronic medical records.
Results
41 p (27%) were elderly p. When analyzing the characteristics of the p in this elderly group compared to younger p, we found a higher percentage of women (34% vs. 18%; p=0.037), lower smoking (60 % vs. 90%; p=0.0001) and alcohol abuse (44 % vs. 63%; p=0.038), as well as a worse performance status (p=0.001). Regarding tumour characteristics, elderly p had higher percentage of oral cavity tumours (42% vs. 22%) and fewer oropharyngeal tumours (7% vs. 27%). In the younger group of p, a 30% of oropharyngeal tumours were p16 positive vs. 40% (2/5) in the elderly p group. There were no significant differences in the stage at diagnosis. Considering the first therapeutic management, the most common treatment was surgery (76% vs. 62% in elderly and younger group, respectively), induction chemotherapy or concurrent radiochemotherapy were more significantly used in the younger group (14% vs. 2 % and 16 vs. 5%, respectively) and 17% of elderly p received best supportive care vs. 4% of younger p (p=0.006). Despite short follow-up, 27% of elderly patients were dead at the time of analysis, compared to 16% of younger patients. Almost half of the p in both groups died from causes unrelated to tumour progression (comorbidities, treatment related or unknown).
Conclusions
Our analysis suggests that elderly p with HNC have different characteristics and management compared to younger p. Multidisciplinary and geriatric assessment could enhance the optimization of the therapeutic approach.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
A. Ferrando Diez: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses: Merck; Travel/Accommodation/Expenses: Astellas; Travel/Accommodation/Expenses: Roche. B. Cirauqui Cirauqui: Advisory/Consultancy, Speaker Bureau/Expert testimony, Travel/Accommodation/Expenses: BMS; Advisory/Consultancy, Speaker Bureau/Expert testimony, Travel/Accommodation/Expenses: Roche; Advisory/Consultancy, Travel/Accommodation/Expenses: Merck; Speaker Bureau/Expert testimony, Travel/Accommodation/Expenses: Eisai; Travel/Accommodation/Expenses: Pierre-Fabre. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.