SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Clinical Features and Overall Survival in Elderly Advanced Cancer Patients.

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This study examined clinical characteristics and overall survival in patients over 80 years old with stage IV solid cancers at Yonsei Cancer Center, comparing best supportive care (BSC) with active systemic chemotherapy. Among 179 eligible patients treated between 2018 and 2023, the median follow-up was 5.1 months. After propensity score matching, 43 patients remained in the BSC group and 99 in the treatment group.<br /><br />The main finding was that overall survival was significantly better in patients who received chemotherapy. Median overall survival was 3.0 months in the BSC group versus 9.0 months in the treatment group, with a hazard ratio of 0.33 and a highly significant log-rank p value of 0.0001. This suggests a substantial survival benefit from active treatment in selected elderly patients.<br /><br />Multivariate analysis showed that poor performance status was strongly associated with worse survival, while chemotherapy and radiation therapy were both independently associated with improved survival. Specifically, ECOG performance status of 2–4 predicted poorer outcomes, whereas receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy reduced the risk of death.<br /><br />The study also evaluated advance care planning. Completion rates of Advance Directives (AD) and Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) were low and similar between groups, indicating that end-of-life planning is not yet consistently implemented in this population.<br /><br />The authors conclude that even in patients over 80 years old with metastatic cancer, systemic chemotherapy can be beneficial if performance status is good. They emphasize the importance of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, including physical, psychological, functional, and social evaluation, when deciding treatment. They also recommend preparing advance directives early at the time of cancer diagnosis to support appropriate end-of-life care.

Asset Subtitle

Soon Hyun Kang

Meta Tag

Author List Dong-Ho Shin, Ha Na Yang, Soon Hyun Kang, Su Jin Heo

Category Research

Concept Stage IV Solid Cancer

Concept Elderly Patient

Concept Overall Survival

Concept Best Supportive Care

Concept Systemic Chemotherapy

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Yonsei Cancer Center

Presenting Author Soon Hyun Kang

Track Geriatrics

Keywords

stage IV solid cancer

elderly patients

overall survival

systemic chemotherapy

best supportive care

propensity score matching

performance status

ECOG

advance directives

POLST

Stage IV Solid Cancer

Elderly Patient

Overall Survival

Best Supportive Care

Systemic Chemotherapy