Management of Elderly and Old Cancer Patients − Geriatric Oncology

Abstract

Aging is a major risk factor for cancer development. Indeed, 60% of people with cancer in Switzerland and worldwide are older than 65 years. However, the indication for treatment choice should not be based on chronological age alone but instead driven by the patient's biological age, physiological and functional status, and the biological and morphogenetic tumor signature. This article provides an overview of the current challenges in treating elderly and old cancer patients, specifically the reasons for a less-than-optimal treatment and care and the added value of performing comprehensive geriatric assessments in this unique population.