Geriatric Oncology

This book is intended as a comprehensive resource for clinicians and researchers seeking in-depth information on geriatric oncology. The coverage encompasses epidemiology, the biology and (patho)physiology of aging and cancer, geriatric assessment and management, hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, issues in patient care, and research methods. Since cancer is a disease of aging and people are living longer, most cancer patients are now aged 70 and older. Yet the more we age, the more diverse we become in terms of our health, biologic fitness, and cancer behavior. Typically, however, general oncology clinical trials address only a selected healthier and younger population of patients. Geriatric oncology is the area of oncology that addresses these issues but while a wealth of knowledge has been accumulated, information is often difficult to retrieve or insufficiently detailed. The SpringerReference program, in which this book is published, offers an ideal format for overcoming these limitations since it combines thorough coverage with access to living editions constantly updated chapter by chapter via a dynamic peer-review process, ensuring that information remains current and pertinent.

The prevention and treatment of cancer in older patients requires an individualized approach, as age causes unpredictable results from patient to patient. Completely revised and updated, the Second Edition of Comprehensive Geriatric Oncology enables clinicians to choose the best possible cancer care. Highlighting newly emerging issues in geriatric oncology, it helps physicians promote cancer prevention. Like its groundbreaking, bestselling predecessor, this new edition exhaustively reviews the biology of cancer and aging, epidemiologic trends, and clinical trials that concern cancer prevention and treatment in the elderly. New chapters contain material on topics such as assessment, fragility, symptom management, and emergencies, and studies the effectiveness of training programs in geriatric oncology. The book addresses issues of healthcare delivery, including cost and evaluation of utility and outcome, suggests new research approaches, reviews existing guidelines for the prevention and treatment of cancer in the elderly, and more. Providing a frame of reference for the ongoing dialogue in the field of geriatric oncology, this is a major reference work for basic, population, and clinical scientists interested in the issue and for practices ministering to older patients.

Handbook of Geriatric Oncology is a practical resource for oncologists and related clinicians who want to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care to the elderly cancer patient. Divided into nine succinct sections, it includes topics spanning an Overview of Geriatric Oncology and Aging, Geriatric Syndromes, Geriatric Assessment, Select Cancers Commonly Diagnosed in the Elderly, Communication with the Older Cancer Patient, the Nursing Home Patient with Cancer, Models of Care and Survivorship, Palliative Care, and Integrative Medicine. Complex issues such as the physiologic changes of aging and their effect on cancer, corresponding social and psychological aspects that accompany aging and a cancer diagnosis, assessment of frailty, managing comorbid conditions and diseases, effective communication among healthcare providers, the patient and caregivers, as well as the risks and benefits of cancer screening, are made simpler with helpful clinical guidance and clinical pearls. Spearheaded by world experts in geriatric oncology from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, this book is the definitive resource for oncologists and related clinicians to meet the demands of clinical management along the continuum of geriatric cancer care. Key Features: Provides best practices for evaluating geriatric syndromes such as functional dependency, falls, cognitive impairment and dementia, delirium, depression and anxiety, social isolation as well as syndromes related to nutrition, comorbid conditions, and polypharmacy. Includes practical guidance on when to treat and when not to treat cancer in older patients Discusses unique factors associated with breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, head and neck cancers, and myelodysplastic syndromes in the elderly that impact care plans and treatment.

Half the population of dogs and cats aged 10 and over will die of neoplasia. The bonds that clients have developed with their older pets are especially strong and drive the increasing demand for more proficient and highly compassionate medical treatment of companion animals diagnosed with cancer. This book offers more than just a competent clinical approach to the most common tumors in dogs and cats. This book also offers a focus on the special needs of geriatric pets and their owners. Amply illustrated with dozens of case studies representative of those regularly encountered in practice, Canine and Feline Geriatric Oncology will provide readers with the tools needed to diagnose and treat aging pets with cancer, and to help clients make the best decisions for themselves and for the animals with whom they share their lives. Canine and Feline Geriatric Oncology is a unique resource. It is a useful oncology reference for specialists, veterinarians in general practice, veterinary technicians, and clinic staff. The many "what ifs" that the practitioner inevitably faces in interactions with clients and their aging pets with cancer are presented and discussed. Special Features: * Focuses on the special needs of geriatric pets and their caregivers; * Offers direction in the diagnosis and treatment of aging pets with cancer; * Addresses many of the "what ifs" that arise in interactions with clients and aging pets with cancer; * Amply illustrated with full color throughout; * A valuable reference for practicing veterinarians, technicians, hospital staff, and professionals involved in supportive counseling for pet caregivers.

Cancer and aging are integrally related. Cancer incidence and mortality increase with age, with most cancer diagnoses and deaths occurring in patients aged 65 and older. The aging of the Baby Boomer population, along with an overall increase in life expectancy, points to a doubling of the U.S. population over age 65 by the year 2030. This demographic shift, combined with the known association of cancer and aging, is expected to bring about a rapid growth in the older cancer-patient population. It is clear that geriatric principles must become part of oncology care. The evaluation and development of treatment recommen- tions for an older adult with cancer can be challenging for many reasons. Tumor biology and response to therapy are affected by age. In addition, age-related factors may impact treatment patterns, tolerance, and efficacy. These age-related factors include functional status declines, comorbid conditions, changes in cognitive function, weakening of organ function, decreases in physiologic reserve, and faltering social support.

This issue of Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, devoted to Geriatric Oncology, is guest edited by Drs. Harvey J. Cohen and Arati V. Rao of Duke University Medical Center. Articles in this issue include: Cancer and Aging: General Principles, Biology and Geriatric Assessment; Cancer Screening in the Elderly; Cancer Survivorship: Management of Long-term Toxicities; Socioeconomic Considerations and Shared Care Models of Older Cancer Care; Palliative Care and Symptom Management; Management of Prostate Cancer in the Elderly; Management of Breast Cancer in the Elderly; Management of Lung Cancer in the Elderly; Colorectal Cancer in the Elderly; Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the Elderly; Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Other Lymphoproliferative Disorders; and Monoclonal Gammopathies and Multiple Myeloma in the Elderly.

The risk of cancer increases with age, and the number of older adults seeking treatment is increasing dramatically in line with the aging population. The care of older patients differs from that of younger adults because of differences in the biology of the tumor, age-related differences in host physiology, comorbidity burden and psychosocial issues, which might impact the efficacy and side effects of cancer therapy. Practical Geriatric Oncology is a comprehensive, evidence-based text that synthesizes the growing literature in this field and provides practical guidelines to the care of older adults with cancer. Coverage includes patient assessment, management of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, the impact of age on the pharmacology of cancer therapy, surgical oncology and radiation oncology in the older adult, symptom management and supportive care. In addition to serving as core reading for oncologists and hematologists, the book will also be a useful work for other healthcare professionals who provide oncology care, including surgeons, radiation oncologists, palliative care doctors, primary care providers, geriatricians and nurses.

This issue serves as a comprehensive review and update in the management of the geriatric cancer patient. Topics covered include: Cancer and Aging, Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, Breast Cancer in the Elderly, Solid Tumors in the Elderly, Radiation Therapy with the Elderly, Liquid Tumors in the Elderly, Nursing and Palliation of Elderly Cancer Patients, Ethics and Religion in Care of the Elderly, and Surgery in the Elderly.