Determinants of Quality Of Life in AGEd Cancer Patients

Patients face multiple stresses and challenges in the aftermath of cancer diagnosis. Despite needs perceived by elderly patients might differ from those of younger patients, there is a paucity of published data assessing the specific evolution and relevant determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older patients with cancer. Such determinants may include cancer type/location/stage, treatment type/intensity, comorbidities, nutritional status or socioeconomic features, but also practical organization of care -frequency, geographical distance, supporting measures -, or psychosocial and material support - social network, housing conditions and contextual neighborhood features. Comparatively to dementia or cancer in younger patients, little is known in the oncogeriatric field of the impact on caregivers’ perceived burden and HRQol of the support they provide to patients. Further, the potential interactions between patients’ and caregivers’ HRQoL remain largely unknown, while caregivers are often themselves old with chronic diseases and/or daily living activities’ limitations.
The DEQOLAGE study is a prospective observational cohort study that aims to describe the HRQoL of patients aged over 70 years with a colorectal or prostatic cancer during the first year following the diagnosis of the disease as well as the HRQoL and burden in their main caregivers. This study will allow a comprehensive assessment of multiple determinants of HRQoL operating at different levels, including individual (cancer type/location/stage, treatment type/intensity, comorbidities, nutritional status or socioeconomic features), contextual (social network, housing conditions and contextual neighborhood features) and organizational factors (frequency, geographical distance, supporting measures). We also hypothesize that complex interactions may operate between patient’s and caregiver’s HRQoL and perceived burden. Quality of life measurement will be based on two recent scales specifically designed for the elderly to confirm their psychometric properties and in-field feasibility.