Frailty in Older Adults: Assessment, Support, and Treatment Implications in Patients With Cancer
BACKGROUND
Frailty is defined as a disability in those of advanced age, often with comorbidities, poor nutritional status, cognitive decline, and reduced functional status.


OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this article is to discuss the concept of frailty, assess the use of a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), and understand the implications for treatment to maintain or enhance physical, functional, and cognitive health of older adult patients with cancer.


METHODS
Literature about frailty in older adult patients diagnosed with cancer was reviewed to determine evidence-based assessment and treatment options.


FINDINGS
About half of all older adult patients with cancer experience some degree of frailty. CGA is a useful way to evaluate frailty and the extent of limitations. Many frailty-specific tools have been developed. Evidence-based strategies are available to address limitations associated with frailty in older adult patients with cancer.
['Overcash|Janine|J|0000-0002-0717-5263', 'Cope|Diane G|DG|', 'Van Cleave|Janet H|JH|']
D000203:Activities of Daily Living D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D003131:Combined Modality Therapy D003657:Decision Making D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine D005260:Female D000073496:Frailty D015577:Geriatric Assessment D005851:Geriatric Nursing D006801:Humans D008297:Male D020380:Needs Assessment D009369:Neoplasms D009730:Nursing Assessment D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care D012720:Severity of Illness Index
older adult comprehensive geriatric assessment cancer frail geriatric oncology