WCLC 2025 - Posters & ePosters-PT2.15.03 Examining the Role of Frailty Assessments in Older Adult With Lung Cancer to Identify Patient Vulnerabilities and Exploring Patient Outcomes

PT2.15.03 Examining the Role of Frailty Assessments in Older Adult With Lung Cancer to Identify Patient Vulnerabilities and Exploring Patient Outcomes

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This study examined the role of frailty assessments in older adults with lung cancer to identify patient vulnerabilities and explore outcomes. A retrospective chart review was conducted on 51 lung cancer patients evaluated at the Rush Functional Assessment and Individualized Recommendations (FAIR) Clinic from October 2019 to May 2024. Most patients were pre-frail, cognitively impaired, and had significant comorbidities. The patient cohort was ethnically diverse: 53% African American, 33% Caucasian, and 12% Hispanic, with a mean age of 77.2 years and 67% female.<br /><br />Non-small cell lung cancer was the predominant diagnosis (88%), mainly at stages III (45.1%) and IV (23.5%). The average BMI was 26.33, and nearly 79% experienced significant weight loss within the prior year. Advanced care planning (ACP) completion increased from 43% before evaluation to 64% afterward.<br /><br />Outcomes differed by treatment type: among patients, 11 received no further treatment (2 hospitalizations, 3 deaths), 12 received radiation alone (1.5 hospitalizations, 2 deaths), and 27 underwent systemic therapy with or without other treatments (2.1 hospitalizations, 6 deaths). Those not receiving treatment were generally frailer, while patients receiving systemic therapy experienced more hospitalizations. Most hospitalized patients were pre-frail or frail.<br /><br />The findings support the utility of comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGA) and frailty evaluations in detecting vulnerabilities to tailor individualized treatments. The study recommends closer monitoring for patients undergoing systemic treatments to reduce toxicity and side effects and early palliative care referrals to enhance quality of life in frail patients declining further therapy.<br /><br />Overall, integrating frailty assessments in lung cancer care for older adults can optimize treatment decisions and improve patient-centered outcomes. Future efforts should focus on addressing treatment-related risks and supportive care needs within this vulnerable population.

Asset Subtitle

Philip Papayanis

Meta Tag

Speaker Philip Papayanis

Topic Multidisciplinary Care: Nursing, Allied Health and Palliative Care

Keywords

frailty assessments

older adults

lung cancer

non-small cell lung cancer

comprehensive geriatric assessments

treatment outcomes

advanced care planning

systemic therapy

hospitalizations

palliative care