The association between muscle mass and the degree of myosteatosis of the psoas muscle and mortality in older patients with cancer.

Objective: Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is used for oncological management in older patients. The evaluation of muscle characteristics is currently not included in the CGA. This study investigates whether muscle mass and the degree of myosteatosis is associated with mortality in older patients with cancer.

Health related quality of life in older patients with solid tumors and prognostic factors for decline.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate health-related quality of life (HRQOL) at baseline and at follow-up in older patients with cancer and to determine prognostic factors for HRQOL decline.

Methods: A prospective Belgian multicentre (n = 22) study was performed. Patients ≥70 years with a malignant tumor and abnormal G8 (≤14/17) screening tool were included.

The added value of geriatric screening and assessment for predicting overall survival in older patients with cancer.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine and compare the added prognostic value of screening tools, geriatric assessment (GA) components, and GA summaries to clinical information for overall survival (OS) in older patients with cancer.

Methods: A screening and a 10-item GA were systematically performed in patients ≥70 years old with cancer. Cox regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the added prognostic value for OS of screening tools, GA, and GA summaries to clinical information (age, stage, and tumor type) in 2 cohorts (A and B).

The prognostic value of 3 commonly measured blood parameters and geriatric assessment to predict overall survival in addition to clinical information in older patients with cancer.

Background: The current study was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of laboratory parameters and geriatric assessment (GA) in addition to a baseline model with clinical information regarding overall survival (OS) in patients with cancer.

Methods: GA was systematically performed in patients aged ≥70 years. The baseline model consisted of age, tumor type, and stage of disease.

The influence of coping strategies on subsequent well-being in older patients with cancer: A comparison with 2 control groups.

Objective: To evaluate dispositional coping strategies as predictors for changes in well-being after 1 year in older patients with cancer (OCP) and 2 control groups.

Methods: OCP were compared with 2 control groups: middle-aged patients with cancer (MCP) (aging effect) and older patients without cancer (ONC) (cancer effect). Patients were interviewed shortly after a cancer diagnosis and 1 year later.

The utilization of formal and informal home care by older patients with cancer: a Belgian cohort study with two control groups.

Background: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the utilization of formal and informal home care among older patients with cancer (OCP) and to compare this with middle-aged patients with cancer (MCP) and older patients without cancer (ONC). Additionally, we examined predictors of transitions towards formal care one year after a cancer diagnosis.

Methods: OCP and MCP had to be recruited within three months after a cancer diagnosis and have an estimated life expectancy over six months.

Corrigendum to "Implementation of geriatric assessment-based recommendations in older patients with cancer: A multicenter prospective study" [J. Geriatr. Oncol. 6 (2015) 401-410].

The authors regret: A calculation error was corrected in Table 3. As mentioned under the table, the percentage of patients under ‘Baseline’ was calculated from the total no. of patients with geriatric recommendations data (n = 932 pts).

Implementation of geriatric assessment-based recommendations in older patients with cancer: A multicentre prospective study.

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to describe geriatric recommendations based on a geriatric assessment (GA) and to evaluate the implementation of these recommendations.

Patients And Methods: A two-step approach of screening followed by a GA was implemented in nine hospitals in Belgium. Patients ≥ 70 years were included at diagnosis or at disease progression/relapse.

Geriatric screening results and the association with severe treatment toxicity after the first cycle of (radio)chemotherapy.

Background: Screening tools are used in geriatric oncology to determine who should receive a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). However, in this prospective study, we evaluated the association between geriatric screening results, measured with the G8 and Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI), and severe treatment toxicity.

Methods: Patients over 65 years with various types and stages of cancer were screened with the G8 and the GFI prior to the start of treatment.

Evaluation of the Groningen Frailty Indicator and the G8 questionnaire as screening tools for frailty in older patients with cancer.

Objective: In this study, we evaluated the Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI) and the G8 questionnaire as screening tools for a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) in older patients with cancer.

Patients And Methods: Eligible patients with various types and stages of cancer were evaluated for frailty before treatment. Patients were categorized as patients with a normal CGA and abnormal CGA (≥2 impaired tests).

In vivo type 1 cannabinoid receptor mapping in the 6-hydroxydopamine lesion rat model of Parkinson's disease.

Type 1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptors are expressed in high concentrations in the central nervous system, including the basal ganglia, and could have direct or indirect effects on motor behavior through modulation of dopaminergic, glutamatergic and GABA-ergic neurotransmission. Using the CB1 receptor radioligand [(18)F]MK-9470 and small-animal PET, we investigated for the first time in vivo cerebral changes in [(18)F]MK-9470 binding in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD), parallel to dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) staining, and behavioral measurements. In the 6-OHDA model, relative [(18)F]MK-9470 PET binding decreased in the contralateral cerebellum (-9%, p<0.