Use and impact of the G8 score in older patients with thoracic and lung cancers

Purpose Assessment of vulnerability with the G8 screening tool according to cancer localization and weight of the G8 items when screening frailty in thoracic and lung cancer (TLC) compared to other cancer localizations. Methods This study was conducted retrospectively on all G8 data collected for older cancer patients between April 2015 and December 2019 at Marseille University Hospital. Results One thousand four hundred and thirty-one patients were included; the median age was 80.6 years and 62.3% of the patients were men. The most common type of cancer was thoracic cancer (34.5%). A majority of patients with thoracic cancers (74.4%) had an impaired G8. In a logistic regression model, male gender, age < 80 years, BMI < 23 kg/m(2), normal psychological status, and health status perception were independent factors associated with thoracic cancers. Conclusion Improving nutritional status and maintaining mental health are important issues to consider before treatment initiation in older patients with thoracic cancers. Key summary pointsAim Compare G8 scores according to the cancer site and G8 items in older patients with thoracic cancers. Findings In our sample study, older patients with thoracic and lung cancers presented a lower BMI, less neuropsychological disorders and were younger compared to older patients with other cancer pathologies. Message Management of frailties in older patients treated for thoracic and lung cancers should consider nutritional status impairment and psychological status maintenance as priorities.