Comprehensive geriatric assessment is an essential tool to support treatment decisions in elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A prospective multicenter evaluation in 173 patients by the Lymphoma Italian Foundation (FIL)

Alessandra Tucci, Maurizio Martelli, Luigi Rigacci, Paola Riccomagno, Maria Giuseppina Cabras, Flavia Salvi, Caterina Stelitano, Alberto Fabbri, Sergio Storti, Stefano Fogazzi, Salvatrice Mancuso, Maura Brugiatelli, Angelo Fama, Paolo Paesano, Benedetta Puccini, Chiara Bottelli, Daniela Dalceggio, Francesco Bertagna, Giuseppe Rossi, Michele Spina

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Abstract We performed a multicenter study to validate the concept that a simple comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) can identify elderly, non-fit patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in whom curative treatment is not better then palliation, and to analyze potential benefits of treatment modulation after further subdividing the non-fit category by CGA criteria. One hundred and seventy-three patients aged > 69 treated with curative or palliative intent by clinical judgement only were grouped according to CGA into fit (46%), unfit (16%) and frail (38%) categories. Two-year overall survival (OS) was significantly better in fit than in non-fit patients (84% vs. 47%; p <0.0001). Survival in unfit and frail patients was not significantly different. Curative treatment slightly improved 2-year OS in unfit (75% vs. 45%) but not in frail patients (44% vs. 39%). CGA was confirmed as very efficient in identifying elderly patients with DLBCL who can benefit from a curative approach. Further efforts are needed to better tailor therapies in non-fit patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)921-926
Number of pages6
JournalLeukemia and Lymphoma
Volume56
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 1 2015

Keywords

  • Chemotherapeutic approaches
  • Immunotherapy
  • Lymphoma and Hodgkin disease

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Comprehensive geriatric assessment is an essential tool to support treatment decisions in elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A prospective multicenter evaluation in 173 patients by the Lymphoma Italian Foundation (FIL)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this