Clinical Research Directory

Risk-Based Geriatric Assessment-Driven Management in Older Patients Starting Chemotherapy

Older patients with cancer are at increased risk of severe chemotherapy-related toxicities due to comorbidities, functional impairments, and geriatric syndromes. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (GA) can identify vulnerabilities and guide tailored management, but routine implementation is challenging due to time and resource constraints. This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluates the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a patient self-report, risk-based geriatric assessment-driven management algorithm (GA-MA) compared with usual care in older patients starting chemotherapy. Participants aged 65 years or older who are initiating a new chemotherapy regimen are randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either GA-MA plus usual care or usual care alone. The primary outcome is the incidence of grade 3 or higher chemotherapy-related toxicities within three months of treatment initiation. Secondary outcomes include emergency department visits, unplanned hospitalizations, early chemotherapy termination, and changes in frailty and performance status. Feasibility outcomes include recruitment, retention, adherence to GA-driven recommendations, and time required to complete geriatric assessment.

Gut Microbiome in Gynecological Cancer Patients With Pelvic Toxicity: Controls Versus Ozone Treatment. (MicrOzoGineTox)

Patients treated for gynecological tumors with radiotherapy (RT) and/or chemotherapy (CT) frequently develop pelvic toxicity (TPIRQT), a condition that can become persistent, progressive, and refractory to standard treatments. This toxicity, affecting the rectum (proctitis), bladder (cystitis), and vagina (mucositis), severely deteriorates quality of life. Standard options for refractory cases are limited; at our center, rectal ozone therapy is used with high rates of symptomatic improvement (66-75%). Emerging evidence suggests a link between gut microbiota and the development of TPIRQT. However, it is unknown how rectal ozone therapy may influence the gut microbiome or if this modulation is part of its therapeutic mechanism. This prospective observational study will investigate the potential relationship between gut microbiome profiles (composition and diversity), the presence and severity of TPIRQT, and the response to rectal ozone therapy.