Effects of weekly paclitaxel or paclitaxel plus carboplatin on functionality and symptoms of geriatric patients with cancer as measured by a brief geriatric oncology module: a pilot experience.
BACKGROUND
To measure functionality, symptoms, and quality of life in elderly patients, a geriatric oncology module (GOM) was developed that could be rapidly and effectively administered in community oncology practices.


METHODS
The GOM was validated by semi structured patient interviews. The authors tested 26 patients receiving chemotherapy with paclitaxel or paclitaxel plus carboplatin to determine the effect of drug treatment on functionality, symptoms, and quality of life (QOL).


RESULTS
Chemotherapy stabilized or improved functionality, symptoms, and QOL in 75%, 86%, and 76% of patients, respectively. This GOM was easily implemented in a busy community oncology practice.


CONCLUSIONS
Weekly paclitaxel and paclitaxel plus carboplatin produced measurable palliation in geriatric oncology patients. This GOM may be useful in the assessment of specific chemotherapeutic interventions in elderly patients with cancer in community oncology practices.
Presant
Cary A
CA
California Cancer Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 91790, USA. cpresant@sbcglobal.net
Thompson
Erin
E
Leberthon
Brian
B
Vergara
Lori
L
McGowen
Priscilla
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D015996:Survival Rate
D016190:Carboplatin; D017239:Paclitaxel