Distress Scores in Elderly Cancer Patients During Radiotherapy

Background/Aim: When assigned to radiotherapy (RT), elderly patients may experience distress. We investigated distress during RT and potential risk factors in these patients. Patients and Methods: Six-hundred-and nineteen patients completed pre-RT and post-RT distress thermometers. Seven characteristics were investigated including age, sex, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), grouped KPS, tumor type, intent of RT, and previous RT. Additional analyses were performed in 358 patients with preRT scores <= 5. Results: Mean change of distress was -0.5 (+/- 2.7) points and associated with KPS (p=0.005) and grouped KPS (p<0.001). Male sex (p=0.035), KPS 90-100 (p=0.001), and curative intent (p=0.037) were associated with increased distress on univariable analyses, and KPS 90100 (odds ratio=1.92, p=0.004) on multivariable analysis. In patients with baseline scores <= 5, mean change was +0.5 (+/- 2.5) points and associated with KPS (p=0.040) and grouped KPS (p=0.025). Conclusion: Psychological assistance should be considered for all patients including those with baseline scores <= 5 and KPS 90-100. Patients with risk factors for increased distress would especially benefit.