Dr Bloomer on HRQOL Outcomes in Younger and Older Patients in CRC

Amanda Bloomer, PhD, senior research project specialist, Moffitt Cancer Center, discusses the comparison of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes between younger and older adult patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer (CRC) evaluated in the ColoCare study.

At the 2023 AACR Annual Meeting, investigators examined HRQOL outcomes throughout different timepoints among younger and older adult patients with CRC. Patient-reported outcomes and biomarker samples were gathered from patients in the ColoCare study from the time of diagnosis until 24 months. Patients between 18 and 39 years of age were classified as younger, those between 40 and 64 years of age were considered older, and those 65 years year or age and older were classified as late onset.

HRQOL was measured with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, which includes 9 symptom scales, 5 physical functioning scales, and a global quality of life scale. Findings showed that younger adults had better physical functioning than older adults, mostly due to age-related factors and fewer comorbidities, Bloomer says.

However, data demonstrated that young adults had worse financial toxicity, which was expected, Bloomer continues, noting that the costs associated with cancer care tend to have more of an impact on younger patients.

Unexpectedly, symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss were significantly worse in young adults from baseline through 12 months, Bloomer says. These adverse effects (AEs) could be due to more aggressive treatment that is generally given to younger adults or to specific drugs, Bloomer explains, noting that these AEs should be explored more.

Bloomer explains that investigators next want to compare the findings for the younger adult patients with the established clinical thresholds of the EORTC-QLQ. This could lead to better understanding of what proportion of patients are meeting these thresholds, and whether changes in clinical care are needed, Bloomer concludes.