Geriatric assessment in older adults with non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A Young International Society of Geriatric Oncology (YSIOG) review paper. Issue 5 (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Akhtar, Othman Salim; Huang, Li-Wen; Tsang, Mazie; Torka, Pallawi; Loh, Kah Poh; Morrison, Vicki A.; Cordoba, Raul
• Is Part Of: Journal of geriatric oncology. Volume 13:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 572
• Page End: 581
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Geriatric assessment -- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma -- Older adults -- Lymphoma -- Frailty; Geriatric oncology -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Aged -- Periodicals; Geriatric oncology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 618.976994005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2022.02.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1879-4068

Abstract

Abstract: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a disease of older adults, with a median age at diagnosis of 67 years. Treatment in older adults with NHL is challenging. The aging process is associated with a decline in functional reserve that varies among individuals, and results in an increasing risk of treatment-related toxicity and mortality. Chronological age and performance status fail to capture the multidimensional and heterogeneous nature of the aging process. A geriatric assessment (GA) screens multiple geriatric domains and provides a more accurate assessment of functional reserve. Several abbreviated GA tools have been developed for use in oncology clinics and help identify patients at high risk for chemotherapy-related toxicity and mortality. In this review, we explore GA tools validated for use in patients with NHL. We discuss the evidence behind GA–guided treatment in NHL and present a suggested approach to assessing frailty in this patient population.