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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
03:59
Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology
Published on: May 22, 2026
Geriatric oncology and palliative medicine
1Department of Solid Tumor Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA. haddada@ccf.org
Seminars in Oncology
|May 24, 2011
Summary
Geriatric oncology focuses on treating elderly cancer patients, addressing treatment side effects, and palliative care needs. Research aims to improve chemotherapy tolerance, toxicity prediction, and patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Oncology
- Palliative Care
Background:
- The elderly population (65+) is rapidly growing in the US.
- Cancer is a leading cause of death in older adults.
- Geriatric oncology is emerging due to the high incidence of cancer in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the knowledge gap in treating elderly cancer patients.
- To improve management of treatment side effects and palliative care.
- To develop better tools for predicting chemotherapy tolerance and outcomes in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Integrating geriatric assessment into cancer care for elderly patients.
- Developing and validating new assessment tools for chemotherapy tolerance and toxicity.
- Focusing on supportive management and palliative care strategies.
Main Results:
- Identified the need for specific clinical trials for elderly cancer patients.
- Highlighted the importance of predicting chemotherapy toxicity.
- Emphasized the role of geriatric assessment in predicting outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Geriatric oncology requires tailored approaches for the elderly cancer population.
- Supportive management and palliative care are crucial for treatment completion and quality of life.
- Further research and assessment tools are needed to optimize care for older adults with cancer.
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