Pilot study of the implementation of G8 screening tool, Cognitive screening assessment and Chemotherapy Toxicity assessment in older adults with cancer in a Tertiary University Hospital in Ireland

Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is recommended by international guidelines prior to initiation of systemic anti-cancer treatment (SACT). In practice, CGA is limited by time constraints, lack of resources and expert interpretation. The primary objective of this pilot study was to establish the prevalence of frailty (assessed by G8), cognitive impairment (assessed by Mini-Cog), and risk of chemotherapy toxicity (assessed by CARG Chemo-Toxicity Calculator) among patients (pts) ≥65 years commencing SACT. We selected these three screening tools due to the ease of conducting them in a busy outpatient setting. In addition, they have been validated to predict frailty and risk of toxicity from SACT among older adults with cancer. Eligible participants were identified from medical oncology clinics. Assessments were conducted in an outpatient setting by treating physicians. Pt records were reviewed to gather demographic and cancer details. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS statistical software. Sixty-three participants were enrolled. The mean age of participants was 73yrs (range=65-88). Thirty-three (52.4