SIOG 2016

Prof Fulop speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about immune senescence in elderly patients, and its potential impact on immunotherapy. He describes that changes in a patient's immune profile over time may be an acquired adaptation, rather than age-related quieting, and that immunotherapy is still a viable course of treatment.

Prof Wildes meets with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 to discuss treating multiple myeloma in elderly patients. She describes how an aggressive course of treatment is not always the best regimen, especially in the geriatric setting, and references clinical trials establishing maintenance therapy as more tolerable overall. Prof Wildes considers how this might inform treatment guidelines, and the place of immunotherapy in future care programs.

Prof Soubeyran speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about optimal treatment of elderly patients with mantle cell lymphoma. He describes how treating a disease which mostly occurs in the geriatric setting raises additional considerations, such as an emphasis on patient autonomy during and after treatment. Prof Soubeyran also considers the role of SIOG and young researchers in supporting mutual development and peer learning.

Prof O'Donovan meets with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 to discuss the impact of radiation toxicity on the quality of life and autonomy of geriatric patients. She describes the challenges in establishing consistent reporting of quality of life among older patients, including elderly specific modules for assessment unveiling previously underreported issues. Prof O'Donovan also considers the risks posed by both over and under-treating patients, and gives a summary of a poster presentation from a student on behavioural outcomes among Irish cancer survivors.

Prof Young speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about supporting elderly patients in distress using mobile technology. She describes how telehealth can provide a swift response, connecting patients, councillors and oncologists.

Dr Scotté speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about the quality of life in geriatric population, especially management and guidelines, and the importance of co-ordinating supportive care between hospital and home.

Dr Roila speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about supportive care in geriatric oncology, particularly the MASCC guidelines in fatigue adapted to geriatric oncology.

Prof Vigano speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about the essential considerations of patient nutrition status when working in geriatric oncology. He describes how, given the high levels of malnutrition in elderly cancer patients, screening and pre-habilitation of patients can help support patients ahead of treatment.

Dr Corre speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about his analysis of oncogenic drivers for geriatric lung cancer patients. He describes how identifying mutational markers has improved treatment efficacy, and revealed pathways of resistance that new generations of therapy can overcome. Dr Corre considers novel treatments against EGFR, ALK and BRAF mutations, among others, and the future promise of checkpoint immunotherapy.

Olivia Le Saux speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about the influence of SIOG in incorporating geriatric patients into clinical trials. She describes how, after the founding of the organisation, elderly specific endpoints are not used as often as the increase in geriatric subgroups would suggest. Comparing composite endpoints and co-primary endpoints, she also considers the balance of quality of life and life extension as trial outcomes.

Dr Puts speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about a feasibility trial of geriatric assessment and integrated care plan for older cancer patients. She discusses the importance to capture the necessary data in order to assess the effectiveness, and also the patient burden when looking at geriatric assessment. This trial also looks into nursing/allied health and socio-economic issues.

Dr Olin speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about treatment of elderly patients with AML. She discusses the survival outcomes for patients who are eligible for reduced intensity alginate transplants, alongside redefining geriatric assessments to improve treatment.

Dr Krishna speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about end-of-life issues, particularly respecting the patient's dignity around the world and the Asian perspective on this subject. In his interview, he stresses the importance of the patient being a key part in the care team's decision making process.

Dr Extermann speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about the creation of the SIOG society, and the challenges and successes of improving cancer care worldwide. She also discusses her systematic review of the literature relating to AML and the evidence that we have for treating relapsed/refractory AML in patients 70 and older.

Dr Holmes speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about her thoughts on polypharmacy and the overuse of medication, supplements and vitamins, particularly in cancer therapy. She also discusses her perspective of SIOG and why she recommends the conference to others.

Dr Papamichael speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about GI and gynaecological tumours in the elderly, and the use of cetuximab in colorectal cancer. He discusses the processes of retrieving the most important phase III trail data, where elderly patients received cetuximab. Finally, he gives us an insight into the aims of the IDEA trial.

Dr Papamichael speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about two posters presented at the conference. The first highlights the benefits from participation of older patients in phase I clinical trials. The second is a prospective randomised comparison study of intervention of comprehensive geriatric assessment, or no intervention for patients with metastatic disease.

Dr Papamichael speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about the successes of SIOG and the aims of future conferences. He also discusses GI and gynaecological tumours in the elderly, and the use of cetuximab in colorectal cancer.

Dr Tew speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about the gynaecologic oncology group (GOG) study into geriatric assessment and outcomes with carboplatin and weekly low-dose Paclitaxel in elderly women with ovarian, primary peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer.

Prof Mottet speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about the treatment of prostate cancer in older cancer patients. He discusses the increase in diagnosis, improvements in treatment and survival with the use of surgery, and that radiotherapy is as effective as surgery.

Dr Alibhai speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about the diagnosis of older men with prostate cancer and the side effects of hormonal therapies, methods of exercise supervision to manage side effects and how this can be linked to Parkinsonism.

Prof Aapro speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about clinical research in geriatric oncology, and his perspective as a supportive care specialist.

Prof Pierre Droz speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about his work on geriatric oncology practice in tropical areas, particularly his experience in French Guiana and possible rules for implementation in low and intermediate income countries.

Dr Lichtman speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about the presentation on the advancements in the field of geriatric oncology. Dr Lichtman discusses the issues surrounding immunotherapy and targeted treatments, as well as issues regarding surgical oncology for elderly cancer patients.

Dr Alibhai speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about supportive and palliative care for patients with prostate cancer. He discusses the phase II randomised control trial (RCT) of three exercise delivery methods in older men with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy.

Dr Brain speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about SIOG & GIOGer (Geriatric oncology in Italy: the GIOGer experience), the successes and highlights of SIOG, geriatric patient advocacy and the importance of working collaboratively to combat cancer.

Dr Shahrokni speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about his study looking at the prevalence and factors associated with high level of distress among older cancer patients undergoing surgery.

Dr Alibhai speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about the experience of men receiving abiraterone or docetaxel for the treatment of metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer. He discusses how the efficacy was similar to prior published studies, and how toxicities were slightly greater.

Dr Hamaker speaks with ecancertv at SIOG 2016 about the next big challenges with geriatric assessments. The challenges include the processes of how patients should be assessed, alongside the issues of time consumption for the oncologist.