What happened: a 60-plus cancer model linked to geriatric assessment
A geriatric assessment–based approach for cancer care is being highlighted for older patients, especially adults aged 60 years and above. The approach starts with assessing functional status (how well a person can perform daily activities and manage health needs) and overall medical condition. It then uses these assessment results to decide the intensity of cancer treatment and the supportive care needed alongside treatment.
In the described framework, geriatric assessment includes screening for:
The strategy aims to align cancer treatment with patient tolerance (the ability of a person to handle treatment).
Background and earlier position: limited functional tailoring in cancer care
A common earlier gap in cancer care for older adults has been insufficient use of a detailed geriatric lens. Cancer treatment planning has frequently focused on tumour factors and general health measures, without a structured evaluation of how frailty and co-existing illnesses change treatment risk. The geriatric assessment approach addresses this gap by systematically checking functional capacity and overall health status before choosing therapy intensity.
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