Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
03:59
Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology
Published on: May 22, 2026
[The older patient with malignant diseases]
1Medizinische Klinik III, Klinikum der Universität München, Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, München, Deutschland. Christian.Buske@med.uni-muenchen.de
Der Internist
|October 16, 2007
Summary
The number of elderly cancer patients is rapidly increasing due to aging populations. However, older adults are underrepresented in clinical trials, necessitating tailored therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Oncology
- Cancer Epidemiology
- Clinical Trial Design
Context:
- Cancer incidence rises sharply with age, leading to a growing elderly patient population in Western countries.
- Elderly cancer patients are currently underrepresented in clinical trials.
- Challenges include defining 'elderly' and managing comorbidities that limit intensive treatments.
Purpose:
- To address the underrepresentation of elderly patients in clinical trials.
- To develop tailored therapeutic concepts for elderly cancer patients.
- To account for individual somatic, social, and quality-of-life factors in treatment planning.
Summary:
- Cancer incidence increases significantly with age.
- Elderly patients face underrepresentation in clinical trials due to undefined criteria and comorbidities.
- There is a critical need for age-specific cancer treatment strategies.
Impact:
- Improved clinical trial inclusivity for older adults.
- Development of personalized cancer therapies for the elderly.
- Enhanced quality of life and treatment outcomes for geriatric cancer patients.
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