Validation of the G8 screening tool in older patients with aggressive haematological malignancies

Background: Incidence rates of haematological malignancies increase with age. In these older cancer patients, important information may be missed without a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). A validated screening instrument is needed to identify those patients for whom a CGA would be beneficial. The G8 has recently been validated as a screening tool for older cancer patients in need of a CGA.

Objectives: To test the performance of the G8 screening tool in older patients with aggressive haematological malignancies to identify those who would benefit from a CGA.

Methods: Cross-sectional study of patients ≥70 years with a recently diagnosed haematological malignancy. G8, CGA (including six questionnaires) and Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS-G) were completed in each patient. The CGA was considered abnormal when at least one questionnaire showed an impaired score.

Results: Fifty patients with median age of 76 years were included; 88% (N = 44) had an abnormal CGA. ROC curve analyses revealed a G8 score ≤14 obtained a sensitivity of 89% (95% CI 75-96) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI 54-100), suggesting an optimal cut-off point. AUC ± SE was 0.949 ± 0.030. Inclusion of comorbidity in the CGA did not change the performance of the G8 (0.943 ± 0.034; P = 0.895).

Conclusion: The G8 can be used as a valid screening tool in older patients with aggressive haematological malignancies to identify those patients who would benefit from a CGA. Comorbidity should be assessed routinely and independently of the G8.