The Relationship between Frailty and Quality of Life in Older Digestive Cancer Patients when Choosing an Anticancer Drug Regimen

Abstract

Aim: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between frailty and quality of life (QOL) in older patients with gastrointestinal cancer at the time when an anticancer drug regimen is changed. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study of gastrointestinal cancer patients aged 65 years or older at the time of anticancer drug change. Frailty and QOL were measured using G8 and EQ-5D-5L. Results: Fifty-one patients agreed to participate in this study. Data collection and analysis were conducted. Forty (78.4%) older patients with gastrointestinal cancer were considered frail. Flail group had a lower BMI (p < .001), thinner calf (p = .023), and lower quality of life (p = .04) compared to the non-frail group. Conclusion: This study showed the characteristics of frail patients with gastrointestinal cancer when changing anticancer drug regimen and the population that is vulnerable to falling into the frail cycle. The assessment of frailty in older cancer patients receiving anticancer drugs was an essential factor for QOL-conscious treatment decision.