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Care for the Elderly
At Gustave Roussy, care for older adults with cancer draws on the expertise of oncogeriatrics, a discipline that combines oncology and geriatrics to tailor treatments to each patient’s health status, level of independence, and specific needs. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure equitable access to the most appropriate treatment—including innovative therapies—while preserving quality of life and independence.
Director:
Dr. Maxime Frélaut
Contact:
Tel.: +33 (0)1 42 11 58 05
Personalized Care for Older Patients
Cancer is a disease whose incidence increases with age. In older adults, care must take into account not only the disease itself, but also their overall health, any vulnerabilities, comorbidities, and the maintenance of independence.
At Gustave Roussy, the oncogeriatrics team supports patients throughout their care journey to assess their overall situation and recommend the most appropriate treatments. This expertise helps optimize the risk-benefit balance of treatments and promotes access to therapeutic innovations when appropriate.
Key Takeaways
All individuals over the age of 75 who have cancer and are at risk of frailty are eligible for an oncogeriatric evaluation before treatment begins. This evaluation helps tailor the treatment strategy and anticipate the risk of complications.
The Stages of Care
Conducted before treatment begins, this assessment evaluates the patient’s level of independence and living situation, associated health issues and medications, nutritional and neuropsychological status, and mobility. It helps identify vulnerabilities that may influence treatment decisions and/or require support.
These evaluations are primarily conducted at a dedicated day hospital, which involves a one- to two-hour visit that includes a comprehensive blood test and a consultation with a nurse and a physician specializing in geriatric oncology.
In the event of hospitalization at Gustave Roussy—particularly in cases of complications related to cancer or its treatments—doctors from the oncogeriatrics department, with the assistance of a specialized nurse, can work directly with hospitalized patients to support the care teams and ensure comprehensive care.
Specific follow-up visits are used to assess changes in a patient’s level of independence and the vulnerabilities identified during the initial evaluation. These visits support patients during or after treatment to adjust their care plan.
Any complex situation can be discussed during a multidisciplinary team meeting involving geriatricians, oncologists, and nurses. This collaboration makes it possible to tailor treatments to each patient’s abilities and needs.
Multidisciplinary expertise dedicated to the care of older patients
The care of older adults with cancer involves many specialties: oncology, geriatrics, surgery, anesthesia, nutrition, hematology, supportive care, and psychiatry.
The mobile oncogeriatrics team also works across the various departments at Gustave Roussy to provide its expertise to the most vulnerable patients and, whenever possible, facilitate their return home.
Geriatric Oncology Evaluation
A multidimensional medical assessment used to evaluate the overall health status of an older adult with cancer. It takes into account independence, cognitive abilities, nutritional status, current treatments, and any vulnerabilities in order to tailor the treatment strategy.
Research, Innovation, and Education
The oncogeriatrics team is working to ensure that older adults are better represented in clinical research in order to improve our understanding of the efficacy and tolerability of treatments in this population.
Several studies focusing on elderly patients are being conducted at Gustave Roussy, including research on tailoring treatments and monitoring patients receiving oral therapy.
The department participates in numerous university courses and international programs to promote the field of geriatric oncology and enhance the skills of professionals involved in the care of older patients.