Pearls of optimizing nutrition and physical performance of older adults undergoing cancer therapy

As the global population continues to age, the prevalence of cancer is increasing, with more than half of new cancer diagnoses occurring in those aged 65 years and older. As a result of improved oncological care, a greater number of older patients undergo treatment, either chemoradiotherapy or surgery or both. The older oncology patient is not part of a homogenous group; chronological age poorly describes the health status of an individual. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) identifies domains, assessed by a multidisciplinary team, that should be considered to guide appropriate oncological treatment decisions. This paper will focus on two aspects of the CGA: the assessment of nutrition and functional status of the older patient with cancer. Optimization of both diet and physical activity may help patients improve their tolerance to oncological treatments and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Beginning with definitions of frailty, sarcopenia, cachexia, and malnutrition, this paper will suggest standardized screening, diagnostic and interventional procedures to identify and treat these conditions in the older oncology patient.