Geriatric impairments were directly and indirectly associated with mortality in older patients with cancer: a structural equation analysis

International audienceOBJECTIVE: We assessed the direct and indirect effects between six geriatric domains and 6- and 12-month mortality in older cancer patients. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We included cancer patients aged ≥70 from the ELCAPA cohort, referred for geriatric assessment between 2007 and 2016. We used structural equation modelling to examine the interrelationships between six geriatric domains (function and mobility, nutrition, cognition, mood, comorbidities and polypharmacy, and social support) and the direct and indirect relationships between these domains, the cancer stage, site, and treatment on one hand and mortality on the other. RESULTS: The analysis included 1434 patients (mean age: 80 ± 5.6; women: 48%; main cancer sites: digestive tract (36.2%), urinary tract and prostate (26.6%), and breast (16.5%); metastatic cancer: 48%). Direct relationships to 6- and 12- month mortality were identified for functional impairment (standardized coefficient (SC): 0.37 (P<0.001) and 0.32 (P