J Natl Compr Canc Netw

Telehealth geriatric oncology model improves outcomes in older adults with cancer

June 19, 2025

Study details: The telehealth-adapted Geriatric Assessment-Guided Intervention (GAIN-S) randomized trial enrolled 80 adults aged ≥65 years with metastatic cancer in Brazil, assigning participants 1:1 to either usual care or GAIN-S intervention. The GAIN-S arm received a telehealth-based, multidisciplinary geriatric assessment, with tailored interventions and referrals (psychiatry, social services, nutrition, supportive care, fitness training) over 3 months. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 3 months, with the primary endpoint being change in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Secondary endpoints included changes in mood (assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS]), quality of life (assessed with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General [FACT-G]), and prognostic understanding.

Results: At 3 months, the GAIN-S group demonstrated significant improvements in IADL (+1.8), mood (GDS, -2.7), quality of life (FACT-G, +13.2), and symptom burden (ESAS, -14.6), all with P < .001. Prognostic understanding was also more accurate in the intervention group (P < .01). Intervention adherence was high, with 80% completing all components.

Clinical impact: GAIN-S is a practical and effective telehealth model that improves geriatric and patient-centered outcomes in older adults with advanced cancer, supporting its integration into routine oncology care—especially in resource-limited settings.

Source:

Bergerot CD, et al. (2025, June). J Natl Compr Canc Netw. Telehealth Geriatric Assessment and Supportive Care Intervention (GAIN-S) Program: A Randomized Clinical Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40499588/