Assessment of older patients with cancer: Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) as a predictor of adverse outcomes in older patients undergoing radiotherapy

This study showed that neither EFS score, age nor ECOG performance status were predictive of radiotherapy toxicity, breaks in treatment or hospital admissions. Patients with oesophageal cancer, gynaecological cancers and lung cancer had a high rate of toxicity and hospital admission, which may highlight the need for additional patient support in these groups. Whilst comprehensive geriatric assessment is recommended, further research is needed to conclude if the frail elderly patient is at greater risk of toxicities from radiotherapy, and which geriatric assessment tool may be the most helpful.