Pitfalls in Oncogeriatrics

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Oncology
• Oncology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Oncogeriatric interdisciplinary activity is scarce globally, particularly in low-income countries.
• Major oncological societies and cooperative groups pay limited attention to elderly cancer care, with notable exceptions in the USA.
• Despite initiatives like the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG), significant challenges persist.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the limited development and persistent challenges in geriatric oncology worldwide.
• To underscore the need for increased attention and resources for cancer care in the elderly population.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of topics, sessions, and tracks in major oncological society conferences (excluding the USA).
• Review of the focus of major cooperative groups (e.g., EORTC in Europe) on elderly cancer research.
• Identification of key obstacles hindering the advancement of oncogeriatric approaches.

Main Results:

• Geriatric oncology is underdeveloped in most high-income countries and nearly absent in lower-income nations.
• Limited focus on elderly cancer issues in major scientific meetings and research groups.
• Significant shortfall in geriatricians and clinical oncologists specializing in elderly cancer care.

Conclusions:

• The management of cancer in older adults faces substantial, widespread obstacles.
• Inadequate numbers of specialized professionals and ageism are primary barriers to effective oncogeriatric care.
• Urgent development of integrated oncogeriatric approaches is necessary to address the needs of the aging population.