Tumour boards in geriatric oncology

Multidisciplinary tumour board (MDT) is an integral part of cancer treatment planning. Although no definite survival benefits have yet been shown by mostly observational studies, other benefits of MDT have been identified. Traditionally the MDT involves participation of treating clinicians – medical, radiation and surgical oncologists. They tend to focus on the cancer alone. There is an increasing awareness that the treatment goal for cancer in older adults is not primarily on prolonging survival, with functional preservation and quality of life being particularly important for this population. The use of comprehensive geriatric assessment and the input of the geriatrician in informing the oncologists regarding treatment decision have increasingly been shown to be beneficial. The integration of the geriatrician into an MDT should be urgently explored

Geriatric oncology: this must be just like livin’ in paradise

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Integrating Touchscreen-Based Geriatric Assessment and Frailty Screening for Adults With Multiple Myeloma to Drive Personalized Treatment Decisions

Patients were white (72%; n = 86), mean age was 72 years (range, 65-85 years), and averaged 7.71 minutes (range, 2-17 minutes) for survey completion. Providers averaged 3.2 minutes (range, 1-10 minutes) to review mGA results. Using International Myeloma Working Group frailty score, patients were fit (39%; n = 64), intermediate fit (33%; n = 55), or frail (28%; n = 46). Providers selected more aggressive treatments in 16.3% of patients and decreased treatment intensity in 34% of patients; treatment intensification was more common for fit patients and milder treatments for frail patients (χ2 = 20.02; P < .0001). Transplant eligibility significantly correlated with fit status and transplant ineligibility with frail status (P = .004). Outcomes on 144 patients 3 months post study visit showed 19.4% (n = 28) had grade ≥ 3 hematologic toxicities, 38.9% (n = 56) had dose modifications, and 18% (n = 26) had early therapy cessation.12 month embargo; first published online 25 November 2019This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]