Analysis of The Burden of Comorbidities in The Oncology Population (Algerian Experience).

Introduction: Comorbidities are all the diseases or disorders associated with cancer, and palliative care aims to improve patients' quality of life. Assessment helps define realistic goals, and allows for the optimization of symptomatic treatments. Materials and Methods: 86 female cancer patients, aged 65 and over, were recruited in a prospective, multicenter study in eastern Algeria for the assessment of comorbidities. Results: The mean age of our study series was 73.6 years (range 65-82). The patients' general condition, considered one of the most important prognostic factors, was taken into account in our work: more than half of our population had a performance status (PS) of 1. 82.4% of the patients presented with comorbidities ranging from one to five conditions of varying severity. Consequently, there was a low percentage of Grade 3 and Grade 4 comorbidities (which constitute a contraindication to initiating specific treatment at the usual dose) compared to Grades 0-1-2. Hypertension (33.3%) and endocrine-metabolic diseases (25%) were the most frequent organic pathologies. 64.4% of patients showed geriatric vulnerability or frailty: G8 geriatric screening score ≤ 14. Analysis of the patients' general condition, as assessed by the G8 score and the presence or absence of comorbidities, identified four groups: harmonious aging (30.2%); vulnerable (33.7%); a frail group (17.5%); and a very frail group (18.6%). Conclusion: The assessment of comorbidities is a cornerstone of palliative care, as it enables comprehensive, ethical, and person-centered care. It guides clinical decisions, promotes proportionate medicine, avoids unnecessary polypharmacy, and contributes to a dignified and peaceful end of life.