Comprehensive geriatric assessment in older adults with cancer: Recommendations by the Italian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SIGG)
Domenico Fusco, Alessandro Ferrini, Giuseppe Pasqualetti, Chiara Giannotti, Matteo Cesari, Alice Laudisio, Alberto Ballestrero, Stefano Scabini, Patrizio Odetti, Giuseppe F. Colloca, Fabio Monzani, Alessio Nencioni, Raffaele Antonelli Incalzi, Fiammetta Monacelli, the Oncogeriatrics Group of the Italian Society of Gerontology, Geriatrics
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Optimizing the approach to older adults with cancer is now a priority given the increasing frequency of new cancer diagnoses that are made in the older population. The comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) represents the gold-standard for (1) defining prognosis and ability to withstand cancer treatments, (2) exploring the multiple aspects that define the complexity of frail older persons, and (3) designing person-tailored interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this document, based on a comprehensive revision of the literature, the Italian Society for Geriatrics and Gerontology proposes a CGA model (ONCOGER CGA) to be adopted by oncology centers for their routine approach to older patients with cancer. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A widespread use of this standardized CGA format will facilitate comparisons across institutions, promote studies based on a multidimensional patient assessment, and foster the inclusion of geriatric endpoints in oncological clinical trials. Furthermore, we predict that the use of a standardized CGA approach will increase the integration of geriatricians into oncology care teams with the final result of improving therapeutic choices and clinical outcomes.