BOPA 2020 | Geriatric oncology

Richard Simcock, MBBS, MCRP, FRCR, Brighton and Sussex University Hospital NHS Trust, Sussex, UK, outlines the importance of geriatrics oncology and the increased challenge of treating cancer in older patients, mainly due to the existence of comorbidities. Dr Simcock points out that frailty has a higher degree of impact in older patients, who have different desires than younger ones, such as valuing independence over survival time. Furthermore, Dr Simcock introduces the research paradox, which he describes as being the decreased likelihood of older patients being registered for clinical trials and research therapies. This interview was recorded via an online conference call with The Video Journal of Oncology (VJOncology).