Geriatric 8 score as a prognostic factor of the efficacy and safety of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Abstract

Objective: Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) is effective in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, given concerns about the possible impact of L-OHP-based chemotherapy regimens in the face of physical functional decline, the question of whether they should be actively recommended for elderly patients remains unclear. This study evaluated the relationship between the Geriatric 8 (G8) score, which assesses overall function in the elderly, and the efficacy and safety of L-OHP-based chemotherapy regimens.

Methods: This retrospective study included mCRC patients aged ≥ 70 years who received L-OHP as first-line therapy between January 2017 and December 2022. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoint was incidence of adverse events (Grade ≥ 2). Patients were classified into high (≥ 14 points) and low (< 14 points) G8 score groups for comparison.

Results: A total of 55 patients were included. Median PFS was significantly longer in the high G8 score group compared to the low G8 score group (12.4 vs. 6.0 months, P = 0.034). No significant difference in OS was observed (27.9 vs. 29.8 months, P = 0.833). The overall incidence of adverse events was comparable, but nausea incidence tended to be higher in the low G8 score group (0% vs. 25.5%, P = 0.096).

Conclusion: The G8 score may serve as a useful prognostic factor in elderly mCRC patients receiving L-OHP. Those with lower G8 scores may be at higher risk of L-OHP-induced nausea.