Cancers, Vol. 11, Pages 371: Challenges Facing Radiation Oncologists in The Management of Older Cancer Patients: Consensus of The International Geriatric Radiotherapy Group

Cancers, Vol. 11, Pages 371: Challenges Facing Radiation Oncologists in The Management of Older Cancer Patients: Consensus of The International Geriatric Radiotherapy Group Cancers doi: 10.3390/cancers11030371 Authors: Tiberiu Popescu Ulf Karlsson Vincent Vinh-Hung Lurdes Trigo Juliette Thariat Te Vuong Brigitta G. Baumert Micaela Motta Alice Zamagni Marta Bonet Arthur Sun Myint Pedro Carlos Lara Nam P. Nguyen Meritxell Arenas The management of older cancer patients remains difficult because of data paucity. Radiation oncologists need to identify potential issues which could affect treatment of those patients. A workshop was organized in Barcelona among international radiation oncologists with special interest in the management of older cancer patients on April 22, 2018. The following consensus was reached: 1. Older cancer patients often faced unconscious discriminating bias from cancer specialists and institutions because of their chronological age. 2. Advances in radiotherapy techniques have allowed patients with multiple co-morbidities precluding surgery or systemic therapy to achieve potential cure in early disease stages. 3. The lack of biomarkers for frailty remains an impediment to future research. 4. Access to healthcare insurance and daily transportation remains an issue in many countries; 5. Hypofractionation, brachytherapy, or stereotactic techniques may be ideally suited for older cancer patients to minimize transportation issues ...
Source: Cancers - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Perspective Source Type: research