title: Approach to the older patient with cancer.
abstract: The incidence of cancer increases with advanced age. And as the world population ages, clinicians will be faced with a growing number of older patients with cancer. The challenge that clinicians face involves carefully choosing the type of therapeutic care plan that is most appropriate given a person's level of physical reserve, medical comorbidities, and psychosocial resources. Inclusion of assessment tools in clinical practice such as a comprehensive geriatric assessment can assist clinicians in identifying patients who will benefit from aggressive cancer care or palliative measures. The role of palliative care, especially in the frail older patient, is critical in improving quality of life. Improvement in best care practices in older patients with cancer requires their inclusion in clinical trials.
authors.forename: Maxine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de la Cruz
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bruera
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015897:Comorbidity; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D018579:Patient Selection; D011788:Quality of Life; D020379:Risk Adjustment / Q000379:methods; D012944:Social Support