CompletedNot Applicable

Frailty Scales for Predicting Chemotherapy Toxicity in Older Adults With Gastrointestinal Cancers

Turkey (Türkiye)72 participantsStarted 2024-01-15

Plain-language summary

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the G8 and VES-13 frailty scales in predicting chemotherapy-related toxicity in older patients with gastrointestinal cancers receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Older adults are more vulnerable to treatment-related side effects due to age-related declines in physiological reserve. Early identification of frailty may help individualize treatment decisions and optimize supportive care. This is a prospective, single-center, observational study conducted at Ankara Etlik City Hospital. A total of 72 patients aged 65 years and older with non-metastatic or locally advanced gastrointestinal cancers scheduled for adjuvant chemotherapy will be included. Frailty, sarcopenia, nutritional status, functional independence, and performance status will be assessed at baseline, 3 months, and at the end of chemotherapy. The primary aim is to determine the predictive value of G8 and VES-13 scores for chemotherapy-related toxicity. Secondary aims include exploring the associations between frailty, nutritional status, sarcopenia, daily living activities, and treatment tolerance. Additionally, one-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) will be analyzed.

Who can participate

Age range

65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥65 years * Histologically confirmed non-metastatic or locally advanced gastrointestinal cancers (esophageal, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, biliary tract) * Planned to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (standard regimens such as FOLFOX, CAPEOX, FOLFIRI, FOLFOXIRI, FOLFIRINOX, capecitabine, gemcitabine, 5-FU/leucovorin, or oxaliplatin-based regimens) * ECOG Performance Status 0-2 * Ability to complete frailty and functional assessment questionnaires (G8, VES-13, SARC-F, MNA-SF, Katz ADL, Lawton-Brody IADL) * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * ECOG Performance Status ≥3 * Patients planned for neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy * Prior systemic chemotherapy or radiotherapy for the same cancer diagnosis * Severe cognitive impairment preventing questionnaire completion * Patients with advanced frailty at baseline screening * Concurrent enrollment in another interventional clinical trial

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Predictive Value of the Geriatric-8 (G8) and the Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13) Frailty Scales for Chemotherapy-Related Toxicity

Timeframe: Baseline, 3 months after chemotherapy initiation, and 6 months (end of adjuvant chemotherapy)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07184047

SponsorAnkara Etlik City Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER_GOV

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2025-02-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Gastrointestinal Cancers trials