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Updated: Jun 29, 2026
10:10
Quantifying Cognitive Decrements Caused by Cranial Radiotherapy
Published on: October 18, 2011
[Is geriatric assessment adapted to radiotherapy?]
C Falandry1, K Tarkouki, F Mornex
1Université de Lyon, 69003 Lyon, France. claire.falandry@chu-lyon.fr
Summary
Cancer in older adults is a growing concern, often diagnosed late and undertreated. Geriatric evaluation and specific trials in oncogeriatrics improve cancer care tolerance and effectiveness, especially in radiotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric oncology
- Radiotherapy
- Public health
Context:
- Cancer incidence increases with life expectancy, particularly in the elderly.
- Elderly cancer patients face challenges like late diagnosis, comorbidities, and suboptimal treatment.
- Existing cancer treatments are often validated on younger or selected elderly populations, with limited data on the most vulnerable.
Purpose:
- To review the role and benefits of geriatric evaluation in elderly cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.
- To explore curative, adjuvant, and palliative radiotherapy indications in the context of oncogeriatrics.
- To discuss research perspectives and the development of specific oncogeriatric trials.
Summary:
- Oncogeriatrics, developed over 15 years, integrates geriatric assessment and specific clinical trials for elderly cancer patients.
- French initiatives, like Pilot Units of Oncogeriatrics Coordination (UPCOG), have promoted regional oncogeriatric programs.
- Geriatric evaluation is crucial for managing radiotherapy tolerance, adherence, and effectiveness in older adults.
Impact:
- Improved understanding of geriatric evaluation's impact on radiotherapy outcomes in the elderly.
- Highlights the need for tailored cancer treatments and clinical trials for aging populations.
- Provides a framework for enhancing cancer care delivery for elderly patients through oncogeriatrics.
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