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New research · Geriatrics
Drugs & aging · 1d
Cohort studyDrugs & aging · 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 study

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 et al. · Drugs & aging · 2026
Background

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

Purpose

This study investigates the association between the ACB-score and treatment-related toxicity (grade ≥ 3), functional decline, and emergency room (ER) 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
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 ACB group (OR 2.04, p = 0.013).

“
Conclusion

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

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