Should specialized oncogeriatric surgeons operate older unfit cancer patients?
This rapidly expanding cancer patient group benefits of specialist care. The use of frailty assessment tools is mandatory in clinical practice and in medical reporting. A fair risk-benefits balance should be kept in mind at all times; patients' requests and expectations should be prioritised. Aggressive surgical treatment should not be neglected in principle, but alterative management should be considered at all times.
van Leeuwen
B L
BL
Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands. b.l.van.leeuwen@chir.umcg.nl
Kristjansson
S R
SR
Audisio
R A
RA
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003657:Decision Making; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D011300:Preoperative Care; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013043:Specialties, Surgical; D016896:Treatment Outcome