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A B S T R A C T S
S71
Willemien van de Water
Surgery, Leiderdorp/ Leiden, Netherlands
The speaker abstract has not been received at the time of
publication.
S72
IMPROVING NUTRITION STATUS SOONER RATHER THAN
LATER
Antonio Vigano
McGill University Health Centre, Oncology, Montreal, Canada
Over 60% of all cancers diagnosed in the USA and Europe
are in patients >65 years, with this number expected to rise
to 70% by 2030. A study of elderly cancer patients admitted to
hospital demonstrated that 71% of patients had experienced
10% weight loss and that almost half were underweight.
While hospitalization itself can contribute to malnutrition, up
to 40% elderly outpatients with cancer may also lose
10% of
their bodyweight. It has been demonstrated that malnutrition
in elderly cancer patients: 1) adversely affects quality of life,
2) is an independent negative prognostic factor, 3) is associated
to poor tolerance and response to oncological treatments.
For these reasons, early assessment of the nutritional status
of elderly cancer patients allows for early interventions
that may improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.
These interventions are most effective when administered
before oncological treatments begin. The abridged patient-
generated subjective global assessment (aPG-SGA) is a simple,
validated screening tool used to assess nutritional status. It is
simple in that it is patient driven, thus reducing the burden
on healthcare providers. In a one-page questionnaire, the
aPG-SGA identifies four facets of malnutrition: Weight loss,
changes in food intake, symptoms that negatively affect
nutrition and performance status. Each of these dimensions
are scored, allowing healthcare providers to quickly triage
patients with the greatest need. Besides the use of aPG-SGA,
pre-habilitation (i.e. nutritional, exercise and psychological
interventions to optimize nutritional and functional status
prior to oncological treatments), was also pioneered at the
McGill University Health Centre. This presentation will
highlight both research and clinical outcomes from the use of
aPG-SGA and pre-habilitation in our centre.
Disclosure of interest:
None declared
S73
ARE TOOLS THE RIGHT WAY TO ASSESS QUALITY OF LIFE
IN ELDERLY?
Ulrich Wedding
Jena University Hospital, Palliative Care, Jena, Germany
Quality of life is (QoL) an important topic when caring
for elderly patients with cancer. Advanced age per se is
not associated with poorer QoL, however age associated
changes, such as limitation in activities of daily living (ADL),
instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), comorbidities, etc.
Poorer QoL is associated with shorted survival. Measurement
of QoL within clinical routine has demonstrated an improved
outcome not only regarding QoL, but other clinical outcomes
as well, such as less admissions to hospital or emergency
department and even longer survival. Numerous tools to
assess QoL in elderly cancer patients are available. Most of
them are initially developed for use in clinical trials.Therefore
their use in clinical routine is questionable. It is important to
communicate to the patient and their relatives the direct need
for them, when asking them to answer a QoL questionnaire.
In addition there is a not to have to many overlap to other
measurements of patient reported out, toxicity, palliative care
needs, etc.
Disclosure of interest:
None declared
S74
MULTIPLE MYELOMA IN THE ELDERLY
Tanya Wildes
Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Division of Oncology, St. Louis, USA
Advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma have
significantly improved survival, yet challenges remain in
individualizing therapy to balance effectiveness and toxicity.
This presentation will detail the emerging data regarding the
use of geriatric assessment to aid in treatment decisions for
older adults with multiple myeloma.
Disclosure of interest:
None declared
S75
TELEHEALTH – RECENT EXPERIENCES IN ONCOLOGY
Annie Young
University of Warwick, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
Adaptation of telehealth systems to the individual needs
and resources of elderly patients within specific frameworks of
global healthcare structures, is crucial. These systems should
be integrated into theworkflowof the healthcare professionals
as an improvement and not an add-on. Telehealth presents a
huge opportunity to develop new modes of engagement with
our elderly patients and their carers and achieve high quality