Geriatric assessment in the elderly cancer patient |
| |
| Authors: | R Harlacher I Füsgen |
| |
| Institution: | Department of Geriatrics, Marienh?he Hospital, Mauerfeldchen 25, D-52146 Würselen, Germany Tel.: +49-2405-623175 Fax: +49-2405-623575, DE
Department of Geriatrics, Witten/Herdecke University, T?nisheider Str. 24, D-42553 Velbert, Germany, DE
|
| |
| Abstract: | Lost and remaining functions are of special importance in geriatric medicine. The level of functional deficits ultimately
determines the remaining quality of life and the patient's ability to continue independently. In contrast, the actual severity
of a disease measured by common standards becomes less important. Geriatric assessment is increasingly used to describe the
impact of disease and to focus on the functional losses and problems that are particularly relevant to the individual elderly
patient. When developing a treatment plan for older cancer patients, it is essential to consider the functional deficits caused
by age-related changes or comorbidity, the remaining compensation mechanisms and the patient's expectations. Cancer treatment
has to be adapted to the individual needs of elderly patients. As the number of cancer patients is rising in all areas of
medical practice, a close collaboration between oncologists and geriatricians will become increasingly important.
Received: 12 January 2000 / Accepted: 25 January 2000 |
| |
| Keywords: | Geriatric assessment Elderly Cancer Decision making |
| 本文献已被 PubMed SpringerLink 等数据库收录！ |
|
