Management of Elderly and Frail Elderly Cancer Patients: The Importance of Comprehensive Geriatrics Assessment and the Need for Guidelines

The adoption of the CGA in oncology practice has been slow because of the difficulties with practicality and objectivity. A shorter reliable tool for rapid and complete assessment is needed. Inclusion of frail elderly patients in treatment trials is recommended. New treatment approaches for frail elderly cancer patients need to be further investigated. Some studies that used serum markers of frailty found that even in the absence of clinical signs, some elderly patients might be already vulnerable. A potential cancer frailty index also needs further investigation.