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Gironés R, Morilla I, Guillen-Ponce C, Torregrosa MD, Paredero I, Bustamante E, Del Barco S, Soler G, Losada B, Visa L, Llabrés E, Fox B, Firvida JL, Blanco R, Antonio M, Aparisi F, Pi-Figueras M, Gonzalez-Flores E, Molina-Garrido MJ, Saldaña J. Geriatric oncology in Spain: survey results and analysis of the current situation. Clin Transl Oncol 2017; 20:1087-1092. [PMID: 29327240 PMCID: PMC6061214 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-017-1813-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Geriatric oncology (GO) is a discipline that focuses on the management of elderly patients with cancer. The Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) created a Working group dedicated to geriatric oncology in February 2016. Objectives The main goal of this study was to describe the current situation in Spain regarding the management of elderly cancer patients through an online survey of medical oncologists. Methods A descriptive survey was sent to several hospitals by means of the SEOM website. A personal e-mail was also sent to SEOM members. Results Between March 2016 and April 2017, 154 answers were collected. Only 74 centers (48%) had a geriatrics department and a mere 21 (14%) medical oncology departments had a person dedicated to GO. The vast majority (n = 135; 88%) had the perception that the number of elderly patients with cancer seen in clinical practice had increased. Eighteen (12%) oncologists had specific protocols and geriatric scales were used at 55 (31%) centers. Almost all (92%) claimed to apply special management practices using specific tools. There was agreement that GO afforded certain potential advantages. Finally, 99% of the oncologists surveyed believed it and that training in GO had to be improved. Conclusions From the nationwide survey promoted by the Spanish Geriatric Oncology Working Group on behalf of SEOM, we conclude that there is currently no defined care structure for elderly cancer patients. There is an increasing perception of the need for training in GO. This survey reflects a reality in which specific needs are perceived.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Gironés
- Medical Oncology Unit. Hospital Lluís Alcanyís, Crta Xàtiva A Silla Km 2, Xàtiva, 46800, Valencia, Spain.
| | - I Morilla
- Institut Català D'Oncologia-L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - I Paredero
- Hospital Universitario Dr Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - E Bustamante
- Althaia, Xarxa Assistencial I Universitaria Manresa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Del Barco
- Hospital Universitari Dr. Josep Trueta. ICO Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - G Soler
- Institut Català D'Oncologia-L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - B Losada
- Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Visa
- Hospital Del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Llabrés
- Hospital Universitario Insular de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - B Fox
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - J L Firvida
- Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense (CHUO), Ourense, Spain
| | - R Blanco
- Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Antonio
- Institut Català D'Oncologia-L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Aparisi
- Hospital General de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - J Saldaña
- Institut Català D'Oncologia-L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
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