Approach to the older patient with cancer

The incidence of cancer increases with advanced age. And as the world populationages, clinicians will be faced with a growing number of older patients withcancer. The challenge that clinicians face involves carefully choosing the typeof therapeutic care plan that is most appropriate given a person’s levelof physical reserve, medical comorbidities, and psychosocial resources.Inclusion of assessment tools in clinical practice such as a comprehensivegeriatric assessment can assist clinicians in identifying patients who willbenefit from aggressive cancer care or palliative measures. The role ofpalliative care, especially in the frail older patient, is critical in improvingquality of life. Improvement in best care practices in older patients withcancer requires their inclusion in clinical trials.