Multidimensional geriatric evaluation in elderly cancer patients

a practical approach

BASSO, U. MD
MONFARDINI, S. MD

Department of Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedale-Università, Padua, Italy

Correspondence address: Umberto Basso, Divisione di Oncologia Medica – secondo piano, Ospedale Busonera, via Gattamelata 64, Azienda Ospedale–Università, 35100 Padua, Italy. (e-mail: [email protected])

Accepted 9 September 2004

European Journal of Cancer Care 13(5):p 424-433, December 2004.

Management of cancer in the elderly population is currently perceived as one of the major challenges for clinical research in medical oncology. Multidisciplinary evaluation of the malignant disease and multidimensional assessment of the host represent the key element for correct decision making. Standard methods developed by pioneer geriatric oncologists will be summarized in this review, along with some practical suggestions on when and how they should be employed. Future perspectives concerning some critical issues in multidimensional geriatric assessment will be discussed as well.