Geriatric Oncology: Opportunities and Challenges

Geriatric oncology is an evolving discipline focusing on understanding the intricate needs of elderly cancer patients. Given the growing aging population, cancer incidence within this group continues to rise, demanding an in-depth understanding of how aging intersects with oncological care. Older adults represent a heterogeneous population due to the coexistence of multiple medical conditions, medication interactions, and diminished physiological reserves. All these factors can significantly influence the standard cancer care and lead to varied outcomes. Additionally, aspects like frailty and cognitive decline call for a more personalized approach to treatment strategies. While significant progress has been made in understanding these dynamics, there remain critical gaps that necessitate targeted research to further refine care protocols, enhance life quality, and deliver optimal therapeutic outcomes for this vulnerable age group.

This Research Topic aims to unravel and address the multifaceted challenges faced by older adults diagnosed with cancer. The focus is on employing the latest advancements in geriatric assessment tools, individualized treatment plans, and supportive care strategies to improve clinical outcomes and avoid over- or under-treating the older adult population. Specifically, the integration of geriatric assessment tools to assess frailty, cognitive function, and functional status plays a pivotal role in guiding oncological treatment decisions. Additionally, understanding how age-related physiological changes impact the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cancer treatments is crucial. By spotlighting novel research, such as clinical trials and observational studies, including “real-life patients, we seek to enrich the understanding of geriatric oncology, facilitate comprehensive assessments, and develop therapeutic approaches specifically tailored for the older population.

To gather further insights into geriatric oncology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Integration of geriatric assessment and management into oncology: challenges and solutions.
• Priorities and preferences of older adults related to cancer treatment.
• Pharmacological and non-pharmacological tailored interventions for older adults.
• Evaluation and management of comorbidity in older adults with cancer.
• The role of social support systems in cancer care
• Research on biomarkers of aging.
• Effectiveness of novel cancer therapies in the older population.
• Strategies to mitigate treatment toxicity in older adults.

We encourage submissions of Original Research, Review articles, Clinical Trials, and Brief Research Reports focused on integrating geriatric principles into oncology practice to enhance patient outcomes for older adults facing cancer.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Geriatric Medicine, Geriatric Oncology, Oncogeriatrics, Multimorbidity, Polypharmacy

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.