Geriatric Oncology at Apollo Cancer Centre

Cancer Care That Understands Ageing

As life expectancy increases, a growing number of people diagnosed with cancer are older adults. While cancer treatment has advanced rapidly, older patients often face unique challenges that go beyond the tumour alone. Geriatric Oncology bridges this gap - integrating the science of ageing with modern cancer care to deliver treatment that is safe, individualised, and meaningful.

Geriatric oncology focuses on treating the person, not just the cancer.
 

Why Geriatric Oncology Matters

More than 60% of cancers occur in adults over the age of 65. However, older adults are not a homogeneous group. Two individuals of the same age may differ vastly in their physical strength, cognitive function, nutritional status, and social support.

Standard oncology protocols, when applied without accounting for these differences, can lead to:

• Increased treatment toxicity
• Functional decline and loss of independence
• Prolonged hospitalisation
• Poor quality of life despite disease control
   

Geriatric oncology ensures that age alone never determines treatment decisions- functional status and patient goals are also considered.
 

Understanding Vulnerability in Older Adults with Cancer

From a geriatrician’s perspective, older adults with cancer often carry hidden vulnerabilities that influence treatment outcomes:
 

• Frailty and reduced physiological reserve
• Multiple chronic illnesses (diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease)
• Polypharmacy and drug interactions
• Cognitive impairment or delirium risk
• Malnutrition and sarcopenia
• Falls risk and mobility limitations
• Caregiver dependence and social challenges
   

These factors significantly affect how well a patient tolerates surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies.
 

The Role of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)

A cornerstone of geriatric oncology is the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) - a structured evaluation that goes beyond routine cancer staging.

CGA helps to:

• Identify frailty and reversible risk factors
• Predict treatment-related toxicity
• Guide dose modification or treatment sequencing
• Optimise nutrition, mobility, cognition, and medications
• Support shared decision-making aligned with patient goals

A Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) enables the oncology team to select the most appropriate treatment for each patient at the optimal time.
 

A Multidisciplinary, Person-Centred Approach

Geriatric oncology at Apollo Cancer Centre thrives on close collaboration between:
 

• Medical, Surgical, and Radiation Oncologists
• Geriatricians
• Physiotherapists and Nutritionists
• Palliative care specialists
• Nursing teams and caregivers 

This integrated approach ensures that cancer care preserves:

• Function
• Dignity
• Quality of life
• Independence, wherever possible
   

Beyond Survival: What Truly Matters to Older Adults

For many older patients, the most important outcomes are not just tumour response or survival curves, but:
 

• Remaining independent
• Avoiding hospitalisation
• Maintaining cognition and mobility
• Spending meaningful time with family

Geriatric oncology places these priorities at the centre of cancer care conversations.

Apollo Cancer Centre is committed to leading this change by integrating geriatric principles into oncology practice, ensuring that older adults receive compassionate, evidence-based, and individualised cancer care.

References:

International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG)
(Global authority on geriatric oncology guidelines and Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment)

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) – Geriatric Oncology
(Clinical guidelines for cancer care in older adults)

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) – Older Adult Oncology
(Evidence-based oncology guidelines for ageing populations)

World Health Organization (WHO) – Ageing and Health
(Global perspective on ageing, health, and chronic disease care)