Journal
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ONCOLOGY HEMATOLOGY
Volume 78, Issue 1, Pages 45-58Publisher
ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2010.02.010
Keywords
Cancer in the elderly; Chemotherapy decision making; Treatment decisions; Geriatric oncology; Attitudes; Physicians; Clinical experience
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Funding
- Solidage McGill University/Universite de Montreal Research Group on Frailty and Aging
- McGill Dr. Joseph Kaufmann Chair in Geriatric Medicine
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Introduction: The management of older cancer patients is often suboptimal. This study aims to understand the management of older cancer patients who may receive chemotherapy. Methods: A questionnaire was mailed in 2006-2007 to 181 medical oncologists and hematologists practicing in the Province of Quebec, Canada. Physicians, involved in treatment decisions regarding chemotherapy in cancer patients aged 70 years and older, were eligible. Results: The response rate was 45.7%. Treatment toxicity (24.4%), comorbidities (20.5%), and lack of social support (10.9%) were reported as challenges when caring for older cancer patients. Comorbidities and functional status were reported as principal factors when making treatment decisions regarding chemotherapy; 77.5% of respondents expressed interest in collaborating with geriatricians. Conclusions: The concerns of respondents about comorbidities, functional status, and social support, along with their interest to collaborate with geriatricians, support the need for a partnership between these two disciplines. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
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