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Introduction: Predictors for mortality and toxicity in older patients with cancer are mainly studied in cohorts with various cancers at different stages. This study aims to identify predictive geriatric factors (PGFs) for early death and severe chemotherapy related adverse events (CRAEs) in patients aged ≥70 years with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (mNSCLC)., Material and Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the multicenter, randomized, phase 3 ESOGIA trial that compared, for patients ≥70 years with mNSCLC, a treatment algorithm based on performance status and age to another algorithm based on geriatric assessment. To identify PGFs of three-month mortality and grade 3, 4, or 5 CRAEs, multivariate Cox models and logistic models, adjusted for treatment group and center, and stratified by randomization arm, were constructed., Results: Among 494 included patients, 145 (29.4%) had died at three months and 344 (69.6%) had severe chemotherapy toxicity. For three-month mortality, multivariate analyses retained mobility (Test Get up and Go), instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) dependence and weight loss as PGFs. The combined effect of IADL ≤2/4 and weight loss ≥3 kg was strongly associated with three-month mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 5.71 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.64-12.32]). For chemotherapy toxicity, Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥2 was independently associated with grade3, 4, or 5 CRAEs (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]: 1.94 [1.06-3.56])., Discussion: Mobility, IADL dependence, and weight loss were predictive of three-month mortality in a population aged ≥70 years treated for mNSCLC, while comorbidities were independently associated with severe chemotherapy toxicity., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All authors have no conflicts of interest and disclosures., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) have a pivotal role in the management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), both as single agent and in combination strategies, providing a meaningful clinical and survival benefit. Older patients are underrepresented in clinical trials, including those involving immunotherapy, even though almost half of the patients with newly diagnosed NSCLC are aged 70 years or older. Moreover, due to selection biases, usually "fit" patients are preferably enrolled. This results in a lack of evidence regarding the use of ICBs in the older population, particularly when referring to chemo-immunotherapy regimens. Since ICBs are indeed of paramount importance in the treatment of patients with NSCLC, efforts are needed to optimize their use also in the older population. This entails furthermore taking into account additional features including the degree of fitness of the patient and the different health domains that can be affected by aging. This review aims to delve into the current evidences about the efficacy and toxicity of ICBs in monotherapy and in combination in older patients with advanced NSCLC, the role of the comprehensive geriatric assessment in supporting the selection of patients receiving immunotherapy, as well as the value of immunosenescence in modulating the activity of these drugs., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

The emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused profound upset in health systems around the world. As cancer patients seem to be at greater risk, the organization of oncological care had to be adapted. We first report the progress of the "first wave" of COVID-19 at the Institut Curie, a French comprehensive cancer center, by describing the measures implemented to limit the risk of transmission of COVID-19 while ensuring as much as possible the continuation of anticancer treatments. Then, we present the results of a prospective institutional database in which the characteristics and outcome of our patients with cancer and suffering from COVID-19 were collected. From March 13 to April 25, 2020, 141 patients followed at Institut Curie for cancer developed COVID-19, of which 26 (18%) died from it. The minimum incidence of COVID-19 in Institut Curie is estimated at 1.4% over this period. No risk factors for developing a severe form of COVID-19 related to cancer have been identified. Cancer patients do not appear to be at greater risk of developing COVID-19, nor of having a more severe form than the general population. With the current increase of COVID-19 cases, it seems essential to share the experience already acquired to minimize the impact of this crisis on the long-term outcome of patients followed for cancer., (Copyright © 2021 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The older population accounts for almost 60% of new cancers. Their management is a public health problem and is complex. It raises different questions: Is the patient's prognosis linked to cancer or another pathology? The heterogeneity of this population emphasises the importance of the overall condition assessment, in particular to avoid over-treatment (or under-treatment), and to be able to identify frail or vulnerable elderly patients who are at risk of having more treatment toxicities. Through this article, we will recall the importance of geriatric in-depth evaluation (EGA) by detailing the different factors that impact the therapeutic decision, tolerance to treatments… This EGA is however time-consuming and not all patients can be evaluated. In order to identify the subjects covered by this EGA, screening scales have been developed. Finally, we will develop the place of research in oncogeriatric management., (Copyright © 2021 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)