The Older Cancer Patient

Providing effective and tolerable cancer treatment for the growing number of older adult patients who have cancer requires an understanding of the role of aging, comorbidity, functional status, and frailty on treatment outcomes. The incorporation of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) into the care of older patients who have cancer ensures that the cognitive, physical, and psychosocial strengths and limitations of individual patients are considered in the development of treatment plans. CGA also may improve outcomes by identifying and optimally treating comorbid conditions and functional impairments. Optimal treatment of the older adult patient who has cancer starts with careful delineation of goals through conversation. The treatment plan should be comprehensive and address cancer-specific treatment, symptom-specific treatment, supportive treatment modalities, and end-of-life care.