Geriatrics and medical oncology: finding the common ground

Article Abstract:

Sixty percent of cancer patients are over 65 years old and 69% of deaths attributed to the disease occur in this age group. This trend is expected to increase within the next three decades. Very little is known about how the disease strikes the aged even if oncologists are specialists in practicing evidence-based medicine. To remedy the situation, oncologists must work with geriatric specialists in developing protocols for treating cancer in the elderly. Clinical trials that try to find sensible answers to the disease and which would gain the trust of doctors and patients must be developed.

Author: Ershler, William B.
Care and treatment, Editorial, Cancer patients, Cancer treatment

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Integration of aging and cancer research in geriatric medicine

Article Abstract:

The National Institute on Aging Geriatrics Program has started a new research program to investigate cancer in elderly persons. Specifically, the study will adopt previous knowledge and well-tested techniques to diagnose, treat or prevent the disease among the aged. Research on this subject becomes more pressing as more Americans reach the age of 65 at which they are most susceptible to the disease. Aging is cancer's greatest single risk factor and data from the National Cancer Institute show that cancer incidence and mortality rates increase as age progresses.

Author: Yancik, Rosemary
Research, Cancer research, Oncology, United States. National Institute on Aging

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The influence of an aging immune system on cancer incidence and progression

Article Abstract:

Cancers often affect those in the geriatric age group. Lymphocyte dysregulation had been detected inage-associated lymphomas and monoclonal gammopathy had been found in both aged humans and rodents which had been shown to be related to myeloma and benign B-cell neoplasia among others. However, these are not enough to implicate the immune system as the effects ofsenescence-related increase in susceptibility tocarcinogens and decreased DNA repair had been found to be more relevant.

Author: Ershler, William B.
Causes of, Physiological aspects, Carcinogenesis, Age factors in disease, Disease age factors

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Subjects list: Aged, Elderly, Diseases, Cancer
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