What this means
This study will check older patients' health at the start and again at 3 and 6 months. It aims to see if early checks can spot people more likely to have serious side effects.
Plain-English summary written by an AI model from the registry listing.
- Status
- Completed
- Who can join
- Ages 65 and over
- Where
- 1 site
The science
- Registered title
- Longitudinal Geriatric Vulnerability, Chemotherapy Toxicity, and Functional Outcomes in Older Adults With Gastrointestinal Cancer
- Trial ID
- NCT07184047 ↗
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Study type
- observational
- Conditions
- Gastrointestinal Cancers, Frailty, Sarcopenia in Elderly, Malnutrition Elderly, Toxicity Due to Chemotherapy, Colorectal Cancer, Gastric Cancer (GC), Pancreatic Cancer Resectable, Biliary Tract Cancer, Esophageal Cancer (EsC), Older Adults (65 Years and Older)
- What is tested
- Standard-of-Care Systemic Chemotherapy
- Sponsor
- Ankara Etlik City Hospital
- Ages
- 65 Years to no maximum
- Dates
- First posted Sep 19, 2025 · updated Oct 16, 2026
Registry summary
Older adults with gastrointestinal cancers may be more likely to experience side effects from chemotherapy and difficulties with everyday activities. These problems are not always explained by age alone. Changes in nutrition, physical strength, general health, and independence may also affect how well a person tolerates cancer treatment.
The purpose of the VITAL-GI study is to better understand how health-related vulnerability in older adults is associated with chemotherapy side effects and changes in daily functioning over time.
This is an observational study involving adults aged 65 years or older with gastrointestinal cancer that has not spread to distant parts of the body. Participants receive chemotherapy as part of their usual medical care, either before or after surgery, according to their treatment plan. The study does not assign chemotherapy treatments or change routine care.
Researchers use questionnaires and clinical information to assess general health, nutrition, physical abilities, independence, and the risk of chemotherapy side effects. Assessments are performed when chemotherapy begins and approximately 3 and 6 months later.
The study examines whether initial health assessments can help identify people who are more likely to experience serious chemotherapy side effects. It also examines how health, daily activities, symptoms, and quality of life change during treatment.
The findings may help researchers better understand the supportive care needs of older adults receiving chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer.
Sites (1)
- Etlik City Hospital, Medical Oncology Department, Ankara, Yenimahalle, Turkey (Türkiye)