PURPOSE: To explain the notion of frailty, then to explain how crucial is the detection of frailty detection in the elderly patient, and, in cases of suspected frailty, how crucial is the need for geriatric assessment. To describe (i) how this assessment of the elderly cancer patient is performed, (ii) how the results of this geriatric assessment must drive the decision making, and (iii) the role of the geriatrician in the care pathway.
METHOD: Bibliographic research from the Medline bibliographic database (NLM Pubmed tool) and Embase, as well as on the websites of scientific geriatric societies, from the National Cancer Institute using the following keywords: elderly, geriatrics, cancer, frailty, assessment, decision making.
RESULTS: The goal of frailty detection is to optimize care, to maintain the independence and the survival of the patient. The prevalence of frailty increases with the age and the diagnosis of cancer. Detection of frailty in the elderly patient with cancer is performed using the G8 questionnaire recommended by the INCa. In case of anomaly or clinical justification, the patient receives a geriatric assessment, which is a multidimensional and multidisciplinary procedure. The clinician can call on the UCOG of the region in which he practices. The relevance of medical decisions will be based on the results of this geriatric assessment. The geriatrician plays a crucial role and will be involved throughout the care.
CONCLUSION: The detection of frailty in the elderly patient with cancer is obligatory. Consecutive geriatric assessment can be performed by the UCOG of the region. The results of the geriatric assessment must serve as a basis for any therapeutic decision making and the preservation of the independence of the patient must remain the priority.