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D.E. Dawe
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MO24 - NSCLC - Chemotherapy III (ID 110)
- Event: WCLC 2013
- Type: Mini Oral Abstract Session
- Track: Medical Oncology
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:R. Feld, S. Peters
- Coordinates: 10/30/2013, 10:30 - 12:00, Parkside Ballroom A, Level 1
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MO24.04 - Assessment of health care patterns for elderly lung cancer patients in Ontario, Canada (ID 1463)
10:45 - 10:50 | Author(s): D.E. Dawe
- Abstract
- Presentation
Background
The number of seniors in Canada is expected to double by 2036 and 40% of new cancers are diagnosed in those ≥70 years. New data over the last decade suggests an increasing role for systemic treatment options for elderly lung cancer patients. However, age-related changes in organ function, co-morbid health problems, and a greater risk of death from other causes may impact on toxicity and expected survival gains. Historically, many oncologists excluded older patients from receiving chemotherapy. This study investigated trends in the treatment of NSCLC patients over the last decade contrasting patients ≥70 years to those <70 years old.Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of NSCLC patients (ICD-9 codes 162.2-162.9) residing in Ontario and diagnosed between January 1, 2000-December 31, 2010. Data including demographic, staging, treatment and outcome information were extracted by the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences and de-identified before release. The primary outcomes were the proportion of elderly v non-elderly patients referred to an oncologist and receipt of chemotherapy. Standard statistical methods were used.Results
Of 61,646 patients, 32,131 (52.1%) were ≥70 years. There was an increase in the number and proportion of cases diagnosed in the elderly over the time period. Fewer adenocarcinomas were diagnosed in the elderly (29.8 v 44%) and more elderly patients lacked microscopic confirmation of malignancy (20.1 v 6.2%). Charlson co-morbidity scores and the need for homecare services prior to diagnosis (12.6 v 4.7%) were higher in the elderly. Staging information was inconsistent prior to 2007. In 53.6% of patients, stage was unknown. Stage distribution in remaining patients was: I (18%), II (6%), III (28%), IV (48%). Referral to any lung cancer specialist (defined as medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, or thoracic surgeon) was significantly lower in the elderly population (80.6 vs 93.9%). This was true for each sub-specialty. Only 59.5% of elderly lung cancer patients were referred to a medical oncologist, compared to 78.5% of younger patients. The elderly were less likely to receive chemotherapy (18.3 v 46.7%), even after referral to medical oncology. Elderly patients had a shorter overall (5.8 v 9.6 months) and lung cancer specific survival (9.5 v 13.9 months). Among patients receiving chemotherapy, there was less difference in overall (13.6 v 14.9 months) and lung cancer specific survival (18.6 v 19.9 months). Receipt of chemotherapy increased only marginally among elderly patients between 2000 and 2010. P-values for all comparisons (p<0.001).Conclusion
There is evidence of disparity in treatment of elderly lung cancer patients. Fewer patients ≥70 years old are referred to a lung cancer specialist and receive treatment. This trend is particularly evident for referral to medical oncology and receipt of chemotherapy. In those elderly patients who receive chemotherapy, their survival approximates that seen in younger patients. Published evidence supporting the use of chemotherapy in the elderly does not appear to have been implemented into practice.Only Members that have purchased this event or have registered via an access code will be able to view this content. To view this presentation, please login, select "Add to Cart" and proceed to checkout. If you would like to become a member of IASLC, please click here.
