Predictive value of the Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index on perioperative complications and survival in patients undergoing primary debulking surgery for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

• The Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity index was a significant predictor of survival in patients undergoing primary cytoreduction for ovarian cancer.
• The index was not associated with minor or major perioperative complications at primary debulking.

ObjectiveTo assess the ability of the Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI) to predict perioperative complications and survival in patients undergoing primary debulking for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).MethodsData were analyzed for all patients with stage IIIB–IV EOC who underwent primary cytoreduction from 1/2001–1/2010 at our institution. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on an ACCI of 0–1, 2–3, and ≥ 4. Clinical and survival outcomes were assessed and compared.ResultsWe identified 567 patients; 199 (35%) had an ACCI of 0–1, 271 (48%) had an ACCI of 2–3, and 97 (17%) had an ACCI of ≥ 4. The ACCI was significantly associated with the rate of complete gross resection (0–1 = 44%, 2–3 = 32%, and ≥ 4 = 32%; p = 0.02), but was not associated with the rate of minor (47% vs 47% vs 43%, p = 0.84) or major (18% vs 19% vs 16%, p = 0.8) complications. The ACCI was also significantly associated with progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Median PFS for patients with an ACCI of 0–1, 2–3, and ≥ 4 was 20.3, 16, and 15.4 months, respectively (p = 0.02). Median OS for patients with an ACCI of 0–1, 2–3, and ≥ 4 was 65.3, 49.9, and 42.3 months, respectively (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, the ACCI remained a significant prognostic factor for both PFS (p = 0.02) and OS (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe ACCI was not associated with perioperative complications in patients undergoing primary cytoreduction for advanced EOC, but was a significant predictor of PFS and OS. Prospective clinical trials in ovarian cancer should consider stratifying for an age–comorbidity covariate.