Use and impact of the G8 score in older patients with thoracic and lung cancers

Purpose: Assessment of vulnerability with the G8 screening tool according to cancer localization and weight of the G8 items when screening frailty in thoracic and lung cancer (TLC) compared to other cancer localizations. Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively on all G8 data collected for older cancer patients between April 2015 and December 2019 at Marseille University Hospital. Results: One thousand four hundred and thirty-one patients were included; the median age was 80.6 years and 62.3% of the patients were men. The most common type of cancer was thoracic cancer (34.5%). A majority of patients with thoracic cancers (74.4%) had an impaired G8. In a logistic regression model, male gender, age < 80 years, BMI < 23 kg/m², normal psychological status, and health status perception were independent factors associated with thoracic cancers. Conclusion: Improving nutritional status and maintaining mental health are important issues to consider before treatment initiation in older patients with thoracic cancers.