An instrument to guide physicians when estimating the survival of elderly patients with brain metastasis from gynecological cancer

Abstract

Background/Aim: For treatment personalization in elderly cancer patients, survival prognoses should be considered. We developed an instrument to estimate survival of elderly patients with brain metastasis from gynecological cancer. Patients and Methods: In 15 patients, whole-brain radiotherapy regimen, tumor site, age, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), number of brain metastases, extra-cerebral metastases and interval from diagnosis of gynecological cancer until radiotherapy were retrospectively evaluated for survival. Characteristics found significant on multivariate analysis were used for the instrument. Results: In the multivariate analysis, KPS ≥70% (hazard ratio=3.71, p=0.0499) and an interval ≥28 months (hazard ratio=3.71, p=0.030) were significantly associated with better survival. Based on these characteristics, patients received 0 (n=6), 1 (n=3) or 2 points (n=6). Six-month survival rates of the groups 0-1 and 2 points were 0% and 50%, respectively (p=0.007). Conclusion: This instrument helps estimating survival in elderly patients with brain metastases from gynecological cancer and contributes to personalization of their treatment.