Age-dependent differences in first-line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: the DISCO study

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Objectives: First-line chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is effective and feasible in selected older patients. We investigated age-dependent differences in treatment and outcomes in patients with mCRC in clinical practice. Material and methods: A retrospective study of 654 patients with mCRC referred to first-line chemotherapy in 2008–2014. Patients were divided into two age groups: 50–69 and ≥70 (older patients). Binary outcomes were analyzed by logistic regression. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression, CRC-specific and other-cause mortality with Fine and Gray proportional hazard model for the sub-distribution of a competing risk. Results: After adjusting for performance status (PS) and comorbidity, older patients were more likely to receive monotherapy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 9.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.52–17.91), lower doses, and no additional targeted therapy (aOR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.28–2.78) than younger patients. Yet, older patients experienced more toxicity and hospitalizations (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.08–2.17). Among those treated, older patients had shorter PFS (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.32, 95% CI 1.11–1.57), but after adjusting for PS and comorbidity, PFS was similar. No significant difference was found in CRC mortality (HR = 1.15, 95% CI 0.95–1.40) between age groups. Poor PS was associated with shorter OS and PFS and higher CRC mortality. Conclusions: In the DISCO study, older patients with mCRC received less aggressive first-line chemotherapy. Yet, they experienced more toxicity. Younger and older patients had similar CRC mortality. Shorter PFS and higher CRC mortality were observed in patients with poor PS.

Original languageEnglish
JournalActa Oncologica
Volume57
Issue number11
Pages (from-to)1445-1454
Number of pages10
ISSN0284-186X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

ID: 215509068