Management and geriatric assessment of cancer in the elderly

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Abstract
Due to the demographic evolution, the management of elderly patients with cancer currently represents a major challenge for the medical community. Aging may be associated with an increased rate of health problems possibly resulting in a loss of independence. These problems can interfere with cancer treatment strategies. Therefore, treatment decision making requires a multidisciplinary and multidimensional assessment of both the characteristics of the malignant disease and the host's general health status. Several oncological groups have developed specific programs for elderly cancer patients. Based on a multidimensional geriatric assessment tool, they aim to establish the best pattern of care for the population of elderly patients with cancer. Clinical research in geriatric oncology is also a very exciting field, particularly regarding the conception of clinical trials specifically designed for elderly patients. The particular aspects of the management of elderly patients with cancer and some critical challenges of clinical research will be presented and discussed in this review.