Dr. Soto Perez de Celis on Nuances of Treating Older Patients With Breast Cancer

Enrique Soto Pérez de Celis, MD, MSc, a geriatric oncologist and researcher in the Department of Geriatrics at the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán in Mexico City, Mexico discusses nuances of treating older patients with breast cancer.

Although older women with breast cancer account for about half of breast cancer cases worldwide, their representation on clinical trials is very low, ranging from about 15% to 20%, says Soto Pérez de Celis. As a result, there is a lack of data to provide high-quality treatment for this patient population.

As patients age, their organ function, physical capabilities, and tolerance to treatment all change, says Soto Pérez de Celis. All of these factors must be considered when choosing a treatment strategy. The goal is to provide these patients with the best treatment possible while avoiding toxicity. The best way to accomplish this is by undertaking a geriatric assessment, says Soto Pérez de Celis.

For over 50 years, comprehensive geriatric assessments have provided insight to a patient’s cognition, physical function, psychological status, and social support. While these evaluations are not typically performed in an oncology visit, this information can shed light on the biological and functional measures associated with an older patient with breast cancer, concludes Soto Pérez de Celis.

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