Implementation and Evaluation of Practical Geriatric Assessment in Older Adults with Advanced Cancer Receiving Palliative Chemotherapy

What this Trial Is About

Older adults aged 70 years or older with advanced or metastatic solid cancers often face significant risks from cancer treatments, including severe side effects that affect quality of life and may require therapy changes. Despite recommendations for geriatric assessments to guide treatment decisions and reduce toxicity, these assessments are rarely used in everyday oncology care due to their complexity and time demands. This study focuses on implementing the Practical Geriatric Assessment PGA, a streamlined tool developed by the American Society for Clinical Oncology ASCO, to improve care for older cancer patients in community oncology settings. Participants will complete the PGA through an electronic health record system, either independently before their initial oncology visit or with staff assistance during the visit. The PGA results, highlighting any geriatric impairments, will be shared automatically with clinicians to inform treatment decisions, such as chemotherapy dose adjustments. The study also explores correlations between PGA results, body composition measured by abdominal CT scans, and physical activity tracked with a Fitbit to understand how these factors relate to chemotherapy toxicity and other clinical outcomes. During the study, participants will undergo the PGA assessment and may consent to additional monitoring with wearable devices and imaging to collect data on their physical status and activity levels. Researchers will evaluate how often the PGA is completed and how its findings influence chemotherapy dosing. They will also assess clinician views on PGA implementation. The study aims to improve personalized care strategies for older adults with cancer, with total participation lasting through the initial oncology visit and subsequent treatment periods as monitored.

Practical Geriatric Assessment (PGA) Implementation Strategies and Correlative Evaluations (PACE-70)