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Six independent domains are defined by geriatric assessment in elderly cancer patients

Six independent domains are defined by geriatric assessment in elderly cancer patients

Authors :
Stauder, R.
Moser, K.
Holzner, B.
Sperner-Unterweger, B.
Kemmler, G.
Source :
Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology. May2010, Vol. 74 Issue 2, p97-105. 9p.
Publication Year :
2010

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Geriatric assessment (GA) must be integrated into treatment concepts for elderly cancer patients. Aim of this study was to assess the coverage of a large battery of GA instruments by determining the number of independent domains measured. Methods: Thirteen different GA scores were applied in 78 elderly tumor patients (mean age 72.9 years). Data were analyzed by exploratory factor analysis and substantiated by non-parametric correlation analyses. Results: Factor analysis yielded a six-factor solution explaining 77.1% of the total variance. The six domains identified may be described as general functioning in everyday life, health-related quality of life, co-morbidities, social support, cognition, and nutritional status. This factor structure was reasonably well confirmed by correlation analyses. Notably, WHO Performance Status, Karnofsky Index, VES-13 and PPT generally revealed high correlations with functional capacities, but only low correlations with comorbidities, social support, cognitive functioning or nutritional status. Conclusions: From the six domains described a basis for efficient application of GA instruments in elderly cancer patients is worked out. The classical instruments WHO and KI as well as the screening scores VES-13 and PPT, while capturing physical functioning well, fail to cover several other important GA domains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10408428
Volume :
74
Issue :
2
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
48892560
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.critrevonc.2009.04.010