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

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.</p

The “Interval Walking in Colorectal Cancer” (I-WALK-CRC) study: Design, methods and recruitment results of a randomized controlled feasibility trial

Background: Low physical activity level is associated with poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). To increase physical activity, technology-based platforms are emerging and provide intriguing opportunities to prescribe and monitor active lifestyle interventions. The “Interval Walking in Colorectal Cancer“(I-WALK-CRC) study explores the feasibility and efficacy a home-based interval-walking intervention delivered by a smart-phone application in order to improve cardio-metabolic health profile among CRC survivors. The aim of the present report is to describe the design, methods and recruitment results of the I-WALK-CRC study. Methods/Results: The I-WALK-CRC study is a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a home-based interval walking intervention compared to a waiting-list control group for physiological and patient-reported outcomes. Patients who had completed surgery for local stage disease and patients who had completed surgery and any adjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced stage disease were eligible for inclusion. Between October 1st, 2015, and February 1st, 2017, 136 inquiries were recorded; 83 patients were eligible for enrollment, and 42 patients accepted participation. Age and employment status were associated with participation, as participants were significantly younger (60.5 vs 70.8 years, P < 0.001) and more likely to be working (OR 5.04; 95%CI 1.96–12.98, P < 0.001) than non-participants. Conclusion: In the present study, recruitment of CRC survivors was feasible but we aim to better the recruitment rate in future studies. Further, the study clearly favored younger participants. The I-WALK-CRC study will provide important information regarding feasibility and efficacy of a home-based walking exercise program in CRC survivors