Pilot Study for Feasibility of Onco-Geriatric Intervention Model in Older Patients with Cancer in a Tertiary Academic Hospital
- Author:
Jin Won KIM
1
;
Jung-Yeon CHOI
;
Woochan PARK
;
Minsu KANG
;
Jeongmin SEO
;
Eun Hee JUNG
;
Koung Jin SUH
;
Ji-Won KIM
;
Se Hyun KIM
;
Yu Jung KIM
;
Keun-Wook LEE
;
Sang-A KIM
;
Ji Yun LEE
;
Jeong-Ok LEE
;
Soo-Mee BANG
;
Kwang-il KIM
;
Jee Hyun KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(1):329-338
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:Older cancer patients face unique challenges due to age-related physiological changes, increasing their vulnerability to treatment-related toxicities. Geriatric assessment (GA) is a validated tool for optimizing care, yet there is no consensus on integrating geriatric interventions into oncology. This study evaluates the feasibility of a tailored onco-geriatric intervention model incorporating the KG-7 screening tool.
Materials and Methods:This prospective study included 30 patients aged ≥ 70 years with solid tumors undergoing adjuvant or palliative chemotherapy. Patients scoring ≤ 5 of KG-7 were eligible. Tailored interventions incorporating KG-7 included polypharmacy, functional status, mobility, nutrition, cognition, emotional well-being, insomnia, social support, and medical problem. KG-7, GA, and quality of life (QoL) were followed at 12 weeks.
Results:Participants (median age, 79.5 years) had colon (43.3%), pancreatic (23.3%), or gastric cancer (23.3%). At baseline, most patients showed independent activities of daily living (100%)/instrumental activities of daily living (90%). However, 93.3% had abnormal GA. Particularly, 86.7% were either malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. The most frequently identified intervention needs included polypharmacy (70.0%), nutritional support (60.0%), and emotional well-being (50.0%) with high adherence (100.0%, 88.9%, and 46.7%, respectively). At 12 weeks, KG-7 scores improved in 43.8% of patients, and 69.2% of GA domains were improved. QoL analysis revealed modest improvement in Global Health Status (mean difference, 6.3; p=0.176). One-year survival rates were 92.3% and 79.4% for adjuvant and palliative groups, respectively.
Conclusion:The onco-geriatric intervention model incorporating KG-7 demonstrated high feasibility and potential to enhance clinical outcomes. Future studies should validate this approach in randomized trials to optimize care for older cancer patients.
