B. Vincenzoni Padovan , L.A. van der Velden , J.A.U. Hardillo , S.L. van Egmond , A. Hoeben , S.E.J. Eerenstein , Y. Schoon , R. de Bree , B.J. de Kleijn , A.J.M. van Bemmel , R.J. Sedee , A. Vesseur , R.E. Plaat , S. Festen , G.B. Halmos
{"title":"Clinical practice variations in geriatric assessment for patients with head and neck cancer in the Netherlands: A nationwide analysis","authors":"B. Vincenzoni Padovan , L.A. van der Velden , J.A.U. Hardillo , S.L. van Egmond , A. Hoeben , S.E.J. Eerenstein , Y. Schoon , R. de Bree , B.J. de Kleijn , A.J.M. van Bemmel , R.J. Sedee , A. Vesseur , R.E. Plaat , S. Festen , G.B. Halmos","doi":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102715","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102715","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15943,"journal":{"name":"Journal of geriatric oncology","volume":"16 8","pages":"Article 102715"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145075456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lucy Lewis , Naomi Farrington , Harnish P. Patel , Richard Wagland , Katherine Hunt
{"title":"Experience of decision-making for older adults, their significant others, and health care professionals after a diagnosis of cancer: A systematic review","authors":"Lucy Lewis , Naomi Farrington , Harnish P. Patel , Richard Wagland , Katherine Hunt","doi":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102716","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102716","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Older age is associated with changes in physical, social, and psychological health in ways that influence treatment decisions, potentially impacting on quality and quantity of life. This systematic review explores the experiences of older adults, their significant others, and health care professionals when decisions regarding cancer treatment and support are made.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>Synonyms relating to search terms Cancer, Older People, Complexity, and Qualitative research were used to search the databases CINAHL, Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) identified strengths and limitations of the evidence allowing concurrent appraisal of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies. Data analysis and synthesis was conducted using narrative synthesis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Five hundred thirty-four articles were identified of which 64 underwent full text screening. Fourteen studies fulfilled the selection criteria and were included in the review. Narrative synthesis identified four themes: (1) Preconditions in decision making - identifying frailty and setting goals; (2) Preferences, choice, and the need to maintain independence; (3) The influence of information provision; (4) Support during the decision-making process, role distribution, and trust in physician. Most included studies reported the views of the older adult, or health care professionals. However, there was paucity of evidence representing the older adult’s significant other.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Research is urgently needed to understand how and why decisions are made regarding cancer treatment and support, as well as how older adults are involved in these decisions throughout their diagnosis and treatment trajectory. A comprehensive understanding would help healthcare professionals to prioritise the individual's healthcare preferences.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15943,"journal":{"name":"Journal of geriatric oncology","volume":"16 8","pages":"Article 102716"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145044641","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bérengère Beauplet , Poppy Evenden , Sarah Jouneaux , Antoine Blain , Angélique Dumont , Lucie Pottier , Soazig Lebaube , Patricia Bernardin , Guillaume Boudin , Priscille Le Bon , Florian Guisier , Jessica Mange , Charles Ayme , François Gernier
{"title":"Barriers and enablers to the implementation of geriatric approach in cancer care in older French patients and physicians: A mixed method psychosocial multicenter study","authors":"Bérengère Beauplet , Poppy Evenden , Sarah Jouneaux , Antoine Blain , Angélique Dumont , Lucie Pottier , Soazig Lebaube , Patricia Bernardin , Guillaume Boudin , Priscille Le Bon , Florian Guisier , Jessica Mange , Charles Ayme , François Gernier","doi":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102345","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102345","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Despite recommendations on frailty screening (FS) and referral to a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) when needed, the average G8 completion rate into Oncological Multidisciplinary Team reports for older patients with cancer barely reached 10% in recent years. As financial and educational incentives are already offered, this study aimed to explore potential psychosocial remaining barriers toward the implementation of the geriatric approach in oncology.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>This multicenter mixed-method cross-sectional study explored, in both older patients treated for cancer and physicians (MDs), the psychosocial determinants related to “Performing FS” and “Referral to CGA”. The quantitative part was based on an online survey sent to the MDs in the 46 hospitals labeled to treat cancer in Normandy, and a self-questionnaire offered to all consecutive eligible older patients aged 70 and above in six participating outpatient clinics. Their perceptions of ageing was examined using the Attitudes Toward Own Ageing (ATOA) and Expectations Regarding Ageing (ERA-12) questionnaires in older patients and MDs, respectively. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews with both stakeholders were led by a social psychologist.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The response rate to the physician's survey was 9.94% (<em>n</em> = 51) and seven participated in interviews. Among older patients, 192 (29.4%) completed analyzable paper surveys and nine participated in interviews. Barely half of MDs considered FS and CGA as a norm, three quarters declared using FS and CGA, but almost all had a Positive Attitude and Intention to Implement. Female MDs had a significantly better ERA-12 total score (64.20% vs 49.60% in male, <em>p</em> = .01), and the most experienced (≥20 yrs) had worse expectations (49.15% vs 61.44% in <10 yrs. and 66.39% in 10-19 yrs., <em>p</em> = .02). Older patients having experienced a CGA (vs only FS or neither) had significantly higher Positive Anticipated Emotion (<em>p</em> = .006), Positive Attitude (p = .01), Subjective Norm (<em>p</em> = .03), and Perceived Behavior Control (<em>p</em> = .004) toward CGA referral. However, the qualitative interviews showed that the words “geriatric” and “frailty” remained associated with ageist stereotypes and reluctance.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Psychosocial barriers were found both in patients and in physicians toward FS and CGA in cancer treatment decisions. Psychoeducational strategies for both MDs and patients should be reinforced to highlight the benefit of geriatric interventions in oncology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15943,"journal":{"name":"Journal of geriatric oncology","volume":"16 8","pages":"Article 102345"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145044642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Georgeann Booth, Mazin Rahman, Margaret Rosenzweig, Teresa Hagan Thomas, Yael Schenker
{"title":"What's on your mind? A qualitative analysis of concerns and self-management strategies among older adults with advanced cancer.","authors":"Georgeann Booth, Mazin Rahman, Margaret Rosenzweig, Teresa Hagan Thomas, Yael Schenker","doi":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102328","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102328","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Older adults with cancer are living longer, but their unique concerns and approaches to self-management are not well understood. Self-management strategies (SMS), historically studied in other chronic diseases, are a promising approach for empowering older patients with cancer and reducing their symptom burden. Self-management strategies are behaviors aimed at coping with the physical sequelae of and psychosocial adjustment to life-limiting disease. We sought to characterize the concerns and self-management strategies of older patients with advanced cancer.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This was a secondary analysis of N = 179 initial visits conducted by oncology nurses with older adults (age ≥ 60) with advanced solid tumors as part of a primary palliative care trial. All visits were audio-recorded and transcribed. The team conducted a mixed inductive and deductive content analysis informed by the qualitative description framework. All transcripts were dual coded, with disagreements resolved by consensus.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients were a mean age of 72±8 years and 51% (92/179) were female. Almost all (99%) patients expressed at least one concern and patients expressed a median of five concerns (range: 1-12), most commonly in the domains of physical (97%), emotional (60%), and functional (59%) well-being. Nearly all patients, 99% (177/179), were using or planning to use a self-management strategy and patients endorsed a median of five self-management strategies (range: 1-13), most commonly related to the domains of physical (82%), emotional (75%), and social (67%) well-being.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Older adults express multiple concerns during primary palliative care visits and they are using a variety of self-management strategies to cope with their advanced cancer. Self-management strategies could be a useful tool for future supportive oncology interventions.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>Originally registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on March 7th, 2016, ID# NCT02712229.</p>","PeriodicalId":15943,"journal":{"name":"Journal of geriatric oncology","volume":"16 7","pages":"102328"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12416885/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144812101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kerri Winters-Stone, Mary Crisafio, Christopher Chalmers, Gabrielle Meyers, Elizabeth Eckstrom, Kristin L Campbell
{"title":"A scoping review of exercise oncology trials to inform best practice recommendations for exercise in older adults (65+ years) living with and beyond cancer.","authors":"Kerri Winters-Stone, Mary Crisafio, Christopher Chalmers, Gabrielle Meyers, Elizabeth Eckstrom, Kristin L Campbell","doi":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102334","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102334","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>We conducted a scoping review of published controlled exercise oncology trials to inform the development of best practice guidelines for delivering exercise to older cancer survivors.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Eligible articles reported on controlled trials that allocated people ≥65 years old at enrollment and a history of cancer to ≥1 arm of structured exercise training lasting ≥4 weeks that was aimed to improve a health-related outcome. We extracted and summarized data on trial design, basic characteristics, trial outcomes, eligibility criteria, pre-exercise medical clearance, intervention characteristics, feasibility (accrual, retention, adherence, compliance), safety and tolerance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 1790 articles identified, 1784 were excluded, yielding six eligible studies. Three trials tested a combined aerobic + resistance training program, one trial tested aerobic exercise only, one trial included resistance training only, and one trial compared an arm of resistance training to an arm of aerobic training. Main health-related outcomes were aerobic capacity (n = 1) and physical function (n = 5). Four out of six studies required medical clearance prior to participation and several studies excluded physical (n = 3) and/or cognitive limitations (n = 3). Trial accrual ranged from 21%-37%, adherence ranged from 48%-84%, and retention ranged from 61%-77%. Compliance with exercise training was rarely tracked or reported. One serious adverse event (syncope leading to hospitalization) possibly attributed to exercise was reported across all six trials.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>There are very few studies available to inform evidence-based exercise guidelines for older adult cancer survivors. In turn, consensus-based guidelines could provide recommendations so that older cancer survivors receive appropriate exercise guidance.</p>","PeriodicalId":15943,"journal":{"name":"Journal of geriatric oncology","volume":"16 7","pages":"102334"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12413888/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144816811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jolien Raddoux, Cindy Kenis, Anneleen Vanhellemont, Stef Meers, Philippe Mineur, Marie-Christiane Vekemans, Ka Lung Wu, Jo Caers, Koen Van Eygen, Alain Kentos, Julien Depaus, Natalie Put, Ann Van De Velde, Géraldine Claes, Philip Vlummens, Vincent Maertens, Nathalie Meuleman, Isabelle Vande Broek, Mélanie Vaes, Karel Fostier, Hilde Demuynck, Michel Delforge
{"title":"Prospective comparison between geriatric assessment and clinical evaluation in 200 newly diagnosed older adults with multiple myeloma.","authors":"Jolien Raddoux, Cindy Kenis, Anneleen Vanhellemont, Stef Meers, Philippe Mineur, Marie-Christiane Vekemans, Ka Lung Wu, Jo Caers, Koen Van Eygen, Alain Kentos, Julien Depaus, Natalie Put, Ann Van De Velde, Géraldine Claes, Philip Vlummens, Vincent Maertens, Nathalie Meuleman, Isabelle Vande Broek, Mélanie Vaes, Karel Fostier, Hilde Demuynck, Michel Delforge","doi":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102329","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102329","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15943,"journal":{"name":"Journal of geriatric oncology","volume":"16 7","pages":"102329"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144816812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Julia Thevissen , Marie-Therese Schmitz , Matthias Schmid , Yon-Dschun Ko , Andreas H. Jacobs , Ulrich Jaehde
{"title":"Interprofessional, risk-adapted medication management in older patients with cancer (IrMa)","authors":"Julia Thevissen , Marie-Therese Schmitz , Matthias Schmid , Yon-Dschun Ko , Andreas H. Jacobs , Ulrich Jaehde","doi":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102359","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102359","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Older patients with cancer are at increased risk for adverse drug events due to chronic conditions and complex medication regimens often leading to polymedication. A pharmacist-led medication review has the potential to reduce drug-related problems and enhance medication safety. Oncogeriatric scores are effective in predicting chemotherapy-associated toxicity. However, risk scores are only of benefit for the patient if the results lead to therapeutic consequences. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an interprofessional risk-adapted medication management intervention (IrMa) to reduce the symptom burden caused by adverse drug events in older patients with cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>The individualized care approach entailed adapting the intensity of care to the toxicity risk of each patient. This was determined prior to tumor therapy by using the Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG) score and existing polymedication. Based on their individual risk, patients were divided into different groups and received either standard care (“low-risk patients”), or, for high-risk patients, symptom counseling, medication review, or both. Feasibility and acceptability of the intervention were investigated as primary outcome. Toxicity and patient-reported symptom burden were documented and analyzed as secondary outcomes. A non-inferiority analysis was conducted to assess whether high-risk patients who received the IrMa intervention experienced a similar level of toxicity or symptom burden as low-risk patients, despite their higher risk. This analysis aimed to identify preliminary efficacy signals.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The intervention was feasible and well accepted. Out of 101 enrolled patients, 96 patients aged between 70 and 88 years were stratified. Implementation rates were 100% for medication reviews and 74% for symptom counseling. Of the identified drug-related problems requiring intervention, 73.9% were resolved. In the first cycle, the overall toxicity rate (CTCAE grade ≥ 3) was 67.5% in low-risk patients and 80.4% in high-risk patients. Preliminary efficacy signals were identified for patient-reported mucositis, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea in the first cycle but not for toxicity grade ≥ 3.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The interprofessional, risk-adapted medication management for older patients with cancer is a feasible and accepted approach to improve patient safety. Patient-reported outcomes indicate a preliminary efficacy in reducing symptoms that can be influenced by appropriate supportive care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15943,"journal":{"name":"Journal of geriatric oncology","volume":"16 8","pages":"Article 102359"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144911635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hong Li , Lovedeep Gondara , Caroline Speers , Caroline Lohrisch , Alan Nichol , Richard Musoke , Caroline Mariano
{"title":"Causes of death in older patients with high-risk breast cancer: What are the most significant contributors?","authors":"Hong Li , Lovedeep Gondara , Caroline Speers , Caroline Lohrisch , Alan Nichol , Richard Musoke , Caroline Mariano","doi":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102348","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgo.2025.102348","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Breast cancer disproportionately affects older adults. Older adults may experience either over- or undertreatment with curative intent cytotoxic chemotherapy. The risk of cancer versus non-cancer mortality in this population is poorly quantified in existing literature. We aimed to explore the causes of death in a large population-based cohort of patients with high-risk, stage II and III breast cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>This was a retrospective cohort study using the BC Cancer Breast Cancer Outcomes Unit database. Patients aged 50 and above diagnosed between 2005 and 2010 with high-risk breast cancer (any stage III, stage II triple negative or HER-2 positive breast cancer) were included. Patients were followed up until our primary outcome of death, or until the end of 2020. Cause of death was obtained from vital statistics and confirmed with chart review. Undertreatment was defined as no chemotherapy and died from breast cancer; overtreatment was defined as having received chemotherapy and died from non-breast cancer causes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 2,390 patients aged 50 and above were included, of whom 756 were older (age 70 and above). During the study period, 1,122 patients died. Older patients were more likely to die from non-breast cancer causes (61.4% vs 26.9%, p < 0.001). Cardiovascular disease and second malignancies were the most common non-breast cancer causes of death. Younger patients were more likely to be overtreated (22.7% vs 12.9%, p < 0.001), while older patients were more likely to be undertreated (28.5% vs 11.8%, p < 0.001). ECOG score, age, and having two or more comorbidities were predictors of non-breast cancer mortality.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Older adults with high-risk breast cancer have significant risk of non-cancer death. However, undertreatment with chemotherapy remains prevalent. Thorough risk/benefit assessments and consideration of competing causes of death are necessary when discussing treatment for this population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15943,"journal":{"name":"Journal of geriatric oncology","volume":"16 8","pages":"Article 102348"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144907891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}