Assessing frailty to improve treatment for older patients with blood cancers

Prospective Analysis of Frailty Phenotype Assessments to Optimize Treatment Strategies for Older Patients With Hematologic Malignancies

Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine · NCT03680677

This study is testing if checking how frail older patients with blood cancers are can help doctors choose better treatments for them.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAbramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine (other)
Drugs / interventionsCAR T, chemotherapy
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT03680677 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate whether frailty assessments can predict the outcomes of older patients (aged 60 and above) diagnosed with acute leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) after undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy, CAR T-cell therapy, or allogeneic stem cell transplantation. By analyzing the frailty phenotype, the study seeks to optimize treatment strategies tailored to the individual needs of these patients. The research will involve collecting data on patients' health status and treatment responses to enhance decision-making in clinical settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 60 years or older with a new or suspected diagnosis of acute leukemia or MDS, or those planning to undergo specific blood or marrow transplantation therapies.

Not a fit: Patients younger than 60 years or those without a hematologic malignancy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized and effective treatment plans for older patients with hematologic malignancies.

How similar studies have performed: While frailty assessments in older cancer patients are being explored, this specific approach to optimize treatment strategies in hematologic malignancies is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Eligibility Criteria Arm A:

* Age 60 years or older.
* New diagnosis of Acute Leukemia or MDS, or suspected diagnosis.
* Able to consent to the study.

Eligibility Criteria Arm B:

* Age 60 years or older with a hematologic malignancy.
* Plan to undergo an allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation or CAR T-cell therapy.
* Able to consent to the study.

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Leukemia, Acute, MDS

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.