Geriatric Oncology

What is Geriatric Oncology?

Geriatric oncology is a specialized field of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer in older adults, typically those aged 65 and older. This branch of oncology addresses the unique challenges and complexities of treating cancer in the elderly, who often have different physiological, social, and psychological needs compared to younger patients. Geriatric oncologists are trained to consider the overall health, comorbidities, functional status, and life expectancy of older adults when developing cancer treatment plans.

Treating cancer in older adults requires a careful and tailored approach, considering the unique health status and needs of the elderly. The main types of treatments used in geriatric oncology include:

1. Chemotherapy:
   • Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. In older adults, chemotherapy regimens may be adjusted to reduce side effects and accommodate comorbidities. Dose modifications and supportive care are often used to minimize toxicity.
2. Radiation Therapy:
   • Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. Techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) are used to target tumors precisely while sparing healthy tissue, which is particularly important in older patients.
3. Surgery:
   • Surgical procedures may be used to remove tumors or cancerous tissues. In geriatric patients, minimally invasive surgical techniques are preferred to reduce recovery time and complications. Preoperative assessments are crucial to evaluate the patient’s fitness for surgery.
4. Targeted Therapy:
   • Targeted therapy involves drugs that specifically target cancer cells based on their genetic and molecular profile. These therapies often have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy and can be more suitable for older adults.
5. Immunotherapy:
   • Immunotherapy, or biologic therapy, uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Treatments such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies can be effective in older patients, though careful monitoring for side effects is necessary.
6. Hormonal Therapy:
   • Hormonal therapy is used to treat cancers that are sensitive to hormones, such as breast and prostate cancer. These treatments can be particularly effective and well-tolerated in older adults.
7. Palliative Care:
   • Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with advanced cancer. This includes pain management, nutritional support, and psychological counseling, addressing the holistic needs of elderly patients.
8. Supportive Care:
   • Supportive care includes managing side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, fatigue, and anemia. It also involves addressing other health issues that may be exacerbated by cancer or its treatment, such as heart disease or diabetes.
9. Geriatric Assessment:
   • Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) evaluates an older adult’s functional status, comorbidities, cognition, nutrition, social support, and psychological state. This assessment helps tailor treatment plans to the individual needs of older patients.
10. Clinical Trials:
    • Participation in clinical trials can provide access to new and experimental treatments that may be beneficial for older adults. Geriatric oncology research aims to improve understanding and treatment of cancer in the elderly population.