Dr María Paula Uchima speaks to ecancer about a study evaluating functional dependence as a predictor of outcomes in adults aged 80 years and older with non-small cell lung cancer in Colombia.

She reports that baseline functional dependence was independently associated with poorer overall survival, even after accounting for age and disease stage, and was not adequately captured by ECOG performance status.

Dr Uchima also highlights frequent clinical deterioration during early follow-up, with many patients experiencing worsening performance status or hospitalisation despite relatively stable body mass index.

These findings support routine functional assessment as a simple tool for improving risk stratification and treatment decision-making in older patients with NSCLC, particularly in resource-limited settings.