The Geriatric Oncology Program of the Cancer Center of HUMC offers a team approach of experts, who are trained to deal with the issues of senior adult cancer care. As Dr. Rosenbluth has said, “We treat patients with a multidisciplinary approach that considers all of the barriers that older patients face when they try to obtain optimal cancer care.” Dr. Rosenbluth explains that patients over age 75 who are fit tend to do as well as younger patients with standard cancer care treatment.

    “But those who are vulnerable and frail pose special challenges, such as decreased mobility, other medical conditions, financial worries, cognitive dysfunction, transportation problems, many prescription and over-the-counter medications, irregular or no preventive screenings, symptoms they ignore or don’t recognize, and lack of a support system,” he says. “Some of the cancer medications and chemotherapy we normally give for younger persons can be toxic to older persons. In order to treat them properly, we might need to adjust the dosages or find alternative medications. In some older patients, no treatment at all might be the best solution.”

The Geriatric Oncology Programs offers centralized cancer care that:

• designs a personalized and therapeutic treatment plan for each patient
• recognizes other medical conditions the patient may not be aware of
• maximizes social support
• prevents dangerous drug interactions
• encourages participation in clinical trials, if appropriate
• offers nutrition counseling
• meets the patient’s need for physical, occupational, and speech therapies
• addresses socioeconomic and family issues that can affect the patient’s health care