Validation of a Screening Tool in Geriatric Oncology

Validation of a Screening Tool in Geriatric Oncology

RATIONALE: A screening questionnaire may help doctors plan better treatment for older patients with cancer.

PURPOSE: This clinical trial is studying a questionnaire in screening older patients with cancer.

OBJECTIVES:

Primary

• Validate a new screening tool (G8).

Secondary

• Validate the French version of the screening tool "Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13)".
• Evaluate the merits of the screening tools (G8 and VES-13).
• Assess the screening tool in specific populations.
• Assess the number and type of interventions proposed after thorough geriatric assessment.
• Compare the two new tools (G8 vs VES-13).

OUTLINE: This is a multicenter study.

During the first consultation, patients have an initial clinical evaluation questionnaire comprising the G8. They also complete the self-questionnaire VES-13. Within 30 days, patients have a thorough geriatric assessment, including quality of life and physical function, by a physician without access to the G8 or VES-13 questionnaires. A blood specimen is also collected.

Information on health status and quality of life is collected from medical records or from the doctor after 1 and 5 years.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Histologically confirmed cancer including the following types:

  • Colon
  • Rectal
  • Lung
  • Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
  • Breast
  • Prostate
  • Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

• Planning to undergo first-time treatment comprising medicine, surgery, or radiotherapy

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

• No persons deprived of liberty or under guardianship
• No psychological, familial, social, or geographical reasons that would make monitoring clinically impossible

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

• See Disease Characteristics