Patterns of care and outcomes for elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in Australia

Objectives: The elderly accounts for a large proportion of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This study reviews patterns of care and outcomes for elderly patients with mCRC in the community setting. Materials and Methods: Elderly patients (≥. 65. years) with mCRC on the TRACC (Treatment of Recurrent and Advanced Colorectal Cancer) registry were identified. Treatment, bevacizumab-related adverse events, and overall survival (OS) were analysed by age cohorts, comparing those aged 65-74 vs. 75-84 vs. ≥. 85. years and correlated with potential prognostic factors. Factors affecting chemotherapy and bevacizumab administration were analysed using logistic regression analysis. Results: Of 1439 patients, 363, 352, and 106 were aged 65-74, 75-84, and ≥. 85. years, respectively. 584 (71%) patients received first-line chemotherapy, with chemotherapy use declining with advancing age (84%, 69%, and 34% in 65-74-, 75-84- and ≥. 85-year-olds, respectively). Seven (10%) patients aged ≥. 85. years were not treated with chemotherapy on the basis of age alone. Only 10 of 36 very elderly patients who received chemotherapy also received bevacizumab. Factors affecting bevacizumab administration included age, treatment location, and comorbidities. There was no impact of age on bevacizumab-related adverse events. Resection of metastatic disease occurred in 173 (21%) patients overall, with rates declining with age (26% vs. 21% vs. 6%). Conclusion: Chemotherapy usage and resection of metastatic disease decline with advancing age. A minority of patients are not treated with systemic therapy due to advanced age alone. Our cohort suggests underutilisation of bevacizumab in older patients, but where given, toxicity rates did not increase with age.