Cancer in the elderly Flashcards
Why are cancer death rates higher in elderly?
organ vulnerability, more aggressive, more likely to be advanced
Occurs in treatment of cancer in elderly populations because treatment is thought to be too dangerous
under treatment
Most effective therapy for many malignancies
surgery
Safe and effective curative and palliative therapy for localized cancers
radiation therapy
Major risks for radiation therapy
mucositis and radiation pneumonitis
More side effects than surgery or RT. Increased susceptibility to toxicity
chemotherapy
How do dose adjustments for reduced GFR or anemia affect chemotherapy?
decreases treatment effectiveness
Good estimate of quality of life, life expectancy, and ability to tolerate cancer treatment
physiologic age
Measure of self care and the ability to maintain an independent life
functional status
bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, continence, and transferring
activities of daily living
use of transportation, shopping, ability to take medications, provide one’s own meals, manage finances, do laundry and housekeeping
instrumental activities of daily living
What is the major player in malnutrition that affects patient outcomes?
protein
Aspect of supportive care that is often undertreated in the elderly
pain control
What level of pain managment includes morphine, hydromorphone, methadone, fentanyl, oxycodone?
step 3 (severe pain)
What level of pain management includes codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, dihyrocodeine, tramadol?
step 2 (moderate pain)
