[Geriatrics and radiation oncology. Part 1: How to identify high-risk patients and basic treatment principles].
BACKGROUND
Until the mid of this century, 33% of the Western population will be > or = 65 years old. The percentage of patients being > or = 80 years old with today 5% will triple until 2050. Therefore, radiation oncologists must be familiar with special geriatric issues to meet the increasing demand for multidisciplinary cooperation and to offer useful and individual treatment concepts.


METHODS
This review article will provide basic data on the definition, identification and treatment of geriatric cancer patients.


RESULTS
The geriatric patient is defined by typical multimorbidity (15 items) and by age-related increased vulnerability. Best initial identification of geriatric patients will be provided by assessment including the Barthel Index evaluating self-care and activity in daily life, by the Mini-Mental Status Test that will address cognitive pattern, and by the Timed "Up&Go" Test for evaluation of mobility. As for chemotherapy, standard treatment was associated with increased toxicity, consequently, dose modifications and supportive treatment are of special importance.


CONCLUSIONS
Geriatric cancer patients need to be identified by special assessment instruments. Due to increased toxicity following chemotherapy, supportive measures seem important. Radiation treatment as a noninvasive and outpatient-based treatment remains an important and preferable option.
Fels
Franziska
F
DiaCura Coburg, Strahlentherapie und Radioonkologie, Klinikum Coburg, Coburg, Germany.
Kraft
Johannes W
JW
Grabenbauer
Gerhard G
GG
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000639:trends*; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011157:Population Dynamics; D018787:Radiation Oncology / Q000639:trends*; D018570:Risk Assessment
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
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