Rehabilitation of older cancer patients.

ABSTRACT

Cancer is a disease of aging. With the aging of the population and the improved survival of cancer patients, rehabilitation of older cancer survival is an increasingly common problem. DEFINITION AND ASSESSMENT OF AGING Age may be constructed as a progressive reduction in functional reserve of multiple organ systems leading to decreased life expectancy and reduced stress tolerance. Physiologic age may be different from chronologic age and is best assessed with a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). The goals of cancer treatment in the older aged person include prolongation of active life expectancy that is prevention of functional dependence. CANCER CONDITION IN WHICH REHABILITATION OF OLDER INDIVIDUALS MAY BE NEEDED Cancer and cancer treatment may accelerate physiologic aging. Rehabilitation is especially necessary in the case of curable malignancies or malignancies for which a prolonged survival is likely. REHABILITATION NEEDS IN OLDER CANCER SURVIVORS Long-term complications of cancer treatment that may compromise life expectancy and functional independence include fatigue cognitive decline and peripheral neuropathy. This paper reviews the risk factors and the management of these complications. CONCLUSIONS: The number of older cancer survivors is expected to increase with the aging of the population. Prevention and management of fatigue, cognitive decline and peripheral neuropathy appear as the most important issue to prolong the active life expectancies of these individuals.