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Effect of a geriatric assessment-guided nursing intervention on radiation-induced toxicity and quality of life in geriatric cancer patients receiving radiotherapy: A randomized controlled trial
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X. Zhang   , F. Wei , J. Lu , S. Liu , J. Guo , Y. Wang , T. Wang |
| Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030024, Shanxi, China , weifenglove521@163.com |
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Abstract: (7 Views) |
Background: Older adults (≥65 years) with cancer undergoing radiotherapy are at increased risk of treatment-related toxicity, functional decline, and reduced quality of life (QoL). This study evaluated the effectiveness of a comprehensive geriatric assessment (GA)-guided nursing intervention in improving clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial, 200 patients aged ≥65 years receiving curative or adjuvant radiotherapy for solid malignancies were randomized (1:1) to either a GA-guided nursing intervention (n = 100) or standard oncology nursing care (n = 100). The intervention included multidimensional GA, individualized nursing care plans, weekly monitoring, and telephone follow-up. The primary outcome was radiation-induced toxicity (CTCAE v5.0). Secondary outcomes included QoL (EORTC QLQ-C30), functional and nutritional status, treatment adherence, healthcare utilization, and patient satisfaction. Results: The GA-guided intervention significantly reduced grade ≥2 toxicity (29% vs. 49%, P = 0.004) and grade ≥3 toxicity (8% vs. 19%, P = 0.024). Patients in the intervention group demonstrated higher global QoL scores at 3 months (76.5 ± 9.8 vs. 66.1 ± 12.3, P < 0.001), better preservation of functional and nutritional status, fewer treatment interruptions and unplanned hospitalizations, and greater patient satisfaction (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: GA-guided nursing intervention effectively reduces radiation-induced toxicity, preserves function and QoL, and improves treatment adherence and healthcare utilization in cancer patients aged 65 years and older undergoing radiotherapy. These findings support integrating GA-guided nursing care into routine radiation oncology practice. |
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| Keywords: Geriatric assessment, comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), nursing intervention, elderly cancer patients, radiation-induced toxicity. |
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Full-Text [PDF 805 kb]
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Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Radiation Biology
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