Priorities for the global advancement of care for older adults with cancer: an update of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology Priorities Initiative

Abstract

In 2011, the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) published The SIOG 10 Priorities Initiative defining top priorities for the improvement of the care of older adults with cancer worldwide 1 .Significant scientific, clinical, and educational progress has been made in line with these priorities. In parallel, international health policy developments have occurred, such as the shift of emphasis by the World Health Organization from communicable to non-communicable diseases, and the adoption by the United Nations of its Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Therefore, SIOG has thought timely to update its priority list. The present document addresses four priority domains: Education, Clinical

Predictive value of geriatric oncology screening and geriatric assessment of older patients with cancer: A randomized clinical trial protocol (PROGNOSIS-RCT)

“…Maintaining physical independence is considered of great importance regardless of the oncologic treatment intend [60]. Therefore, maintaining physical function in older patients with cancer should be a goal of both palliative antineoplastic treatment and supportive interventions.…”

Metastatic Gastroesophageal Cancer in Older Patients – Is this Patient Cohort Represented in Clinical Trials?

“…Efforts to increase the representation of older adults has been recognised as a priority by a number of international oncological organisations. The International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) published updated guidance in January 2021 relating to 'Priorities for global advancement of care for older adults with cancer' [17]. This policy document discusses priorities relating to education, clinical practice, research, and collaborations in an attempt to improve healthcare for this rapidly growing patient cohort.…”

Implementation of geriatric haematology programmes for the treatment of older people with haematological malignancies in low-resource settings

“…Although many advances have been made, the 2021 SIOG priorities for the global advancement of care for older people with cancer still highlight increasing education in geriatric oncology and haematology as a top priority. 4 Achieving this goal requires close collaboration between haematologists, oncologists, and geriatricians to meet the needs of older people with haematological malignancies and disseminate knowledge. At the same time, educating the public and medical students regarding healthy ageing and the wellbeing of older populations might help to combat misconceptions and stigma surrounding ageing.…”

“…At the same time, educating the public and medical students regarding healthy ageing and the wellbeing of older populations might help to combat misconceptions and stigma surrounding ageing. 4 Educational initiatives need to be resource-stratified, target the largest possible number of health-care professionals, be culturally and socially appropriate, and adapt existing guidelines and tools to each specific region, country, and setting. 25…”

“…These include the creation of age-friendly health-care systems and policies, the implementation of geriatric oncology clinics, the inclusion of principles of geriatric care into training programmes for haematology and oncology health-care professionals, and the development of regional and local guidelines for the treatment of older people with cancer. 4 Broadly speaking, geriatric haematology aims to use the principles of geriatric care and assessments to inform tailored decision making and management for older people with haematological malignancies. 5 Existing evidence supports the use of a geriatric assessment and of geriatric assessment-based interventions before starting treatment in older people with haematological malignancies, since these can help to inform prognosis and treatment toxicity and guide treatment selection.…”