At the turn of geriatrics and oncology: state of the problem

Abstract

Despite the increase in the number of older and oldest old patients with cancer, the tactics of their treatment are often suboptimal while the doctor-patient relationship model tends to be paternalistic.Insufficient knowledge in the field of geriatric care among health care providers dealing with cancer patients along with the low representation of older patients in research lead to their vulnerability to both «over- and under-treatment». There is ample evidence to support the superiority of comprehensive geriatric assessment in identifying frail patients at risk of poor outcomes compared to conventional clinical assessment or traditional oncology tools. Planning therapy taking into account the geriatric status and preferences of the patient, allows us to add the best results and satisfaction of aging patients with oncological diseases.