The Association Between Anticholinergic Burden and Treatment-Related Complications in Older Adults with…

Cohort studyDrugs & aging· Aug 2026

The Association Between Anticholinergic Burden and Treatment-Related Complications in Older Adults with Cancer.

Edwin J Brokaar, Stella Trompet, Johanneke E A Portielje … Frederiek van den Bos

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GeriatricsCohort studyClinical practiceQ1IF 4.5

High anticholinergic burden is associated with higher odds of severe toxicity in older adults.

The Association Between Anticholinergic Burden and Treatment-Related Complications in Older Adults with Cancer.

Edwin J Brokaar … Frederiek van den Bos

Drugs & aging · Aug 2026

Background

The Anticholinergic Burden (Anticholinergic Burden) score quantifies the cumulative anticholinergic effects of all medications.

Purpose

This study investigates the association between the Anticholinergic Burden-score and treatment-related toxicity (grade ≥ 3), functional decline, and emergency room (emergency room) visits or hospitalization in older adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy.

Methods

Data from the Triage of Elderly Needing Treatment study were used and patients aged ≥ 70 years were included before start of chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy.

n = 434 patients

OR 1.99

Results

OR 1.99

High anticholinergic burden means nearly twice the odds of severe toxicity in older adults

n = 434 patients

More results

Grade ≥ 3 toxicity occurred more frequently in the high Anticholinergic Burden group (OR 2.04, p = 0.013).

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Conclusion

High Anticholinergic Burden is associated with poorer outcomes in older adults with cancer in addition to the known risk for toxicity of frailty.

The Association Between Anticholinergic Burden and Treatment-Related Complications in Older Adults with Cancer.

The Association Between Anticholinergic Burden and Treatment-Related Complications in Older Adults with Cancer.

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