[Treatment of cancer and hematological malignancy in elderly people: oncogeriatrics as a discipline for the future (Part I): geriatric evaluation and management of solid tumors]

Abstract

Purpose: Fifty percent of cancer arise in people older than 65 year-old. Most clinical trials in cancer treatment are limited in patients younger than 65 year-old. We review literature describing particularity of cancer treatment in elderly patients.

Current knowledge and key points: Therapeutic decisions should be based on an estimation of the patient's life expectancy, and risks and benefits should be weighted up accordingly. Geriatric oncology is made of a geriatric evaluation of patient and of knowledge of clinical trial about elderly patients.

Future prospects and projects: We present in this issue the principle of geriatric evaluation and the results of recent clinical trial on elderly cancer patients.