A systematic review of end of life cancer care in the elderly population in Qatar: A retrospective cohort study.

87 Background: Managing cancer in the elderly ( ≥ 65 years of age) is quite challenging as a result of associated comorbidities, poor performance status and the expected lower tolerance to treatment. The aim of the present study is to report on the demographics of cancer in the elderly population at NCCCR, also to analyze different indicators constituting End of Life (EoL) care in this subgroup of patients. Methods: Elderly patients ( ≥ 65 years of age) presenting with cancer diagnosis to NCCCR between January 01, 2009 till December 31, 2013 constituted the cohort study group. Their medical records were reviewed for the following items: Diagnosis, Performance status, age, comorbidities, treatment received, place of death, Length of Stay (LOS) during last hospitalizations as well as aggressiveness of care at EoL. Patients were then subdivided into 3 age groups: 65-74 years (n = 175), 75-79 years (n = 63) and ≥ 80 years (n = 54). Results: The most common diagnosis was colorectal cancer (42%, 35% and 46% in ...