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Advances in geriatric oncology: a multidisciplinary perspective.
Ponnandai Somasundar1,2, Loïc Mourey3, Laura Lozza4
11 Department of Surgical Oncology, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island - USA.
Tumori
|October 3, 2017
Summary
Older cancer patients need treatments balancing effectiveness with tolerability. Precision medicine, integrating geriatric assessment, optimizes care for elderly individuals with cancer.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Oncology
- Cancer Treatment Advances
- Precision Medicine
Background:
- The majority of cancer patients are older adults.
- Quality of life and independence are key goals for this demographic.
- Managing cancer in older adults is complex due to age-related changes and comorbidities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current strategies for optimizing cancer treatment in older patients.
- To highlight the importance of geriatric assessment and tailored interventions.
- To discuss advances in surgical, medical, and radiation oncology.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advances in cancer treatment modalities.
- Integration of geriatric principles into oncological care.
- Application of comprehensive geriatric assessment tools.
Main Results:
- Novel immunomodulatory agents, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies improve treatment tolerability.
- Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) expands curative options for elderly patients.
- Preoperative assessment, prehabilitation, and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) improve surgical outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Tailoring cancer interventions based on individual robustness and life expectancy is crucial.
- Collaboration between oncologists and geriatricians is essential for optimal management.
- Comprehensive geriatric assessment tools are vital for precision oncology in older adults.
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