Shared decision-making in older patients with colorectal or pancreatic cancer: determinants of patients ’ and observers’ perceptions

The number of older patients qualifying for oncologic treatment is rising. Due to concomitant co-morbidity and frailty among many of these patients, physicians are faced with increasingly complex treatment decision-making processes [1 –3]. Major surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy in (frail) older cancer patients result in significant risks of complications that may jeopardize patients’ quality of life (QOL) and functioning. Colorectal (CRC) and pancreatic cancer (PC) resections in older patients are illustrative examples of high-risk procedures where treatment decision-making should be balanced on individual preferences regarding quality or quantity of life [4–6].
Source: Patient Education and Counseling - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Source Type: research