Danish Cancer Society Symposium 2016

Introduction
Our knowledge of elderly cancer patients’ tolerance to and benefit from anti-cancer treatment is sparse due to underrepresentation of this patient group in clinical trials. In the USA (2007-2010) only 33% of patients included in the registration trials were age 65 years or older compared to 59% of the US cancer population. It is unethical to suggest evidence-based anti-cancer treatment based on chronologic age alone.

Internationally, there is a rapidly growing appreciation of the need for specific strategies in the management of elderly cancer patients. In the USA, the Cancer and Aging Research Group, the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute on Aging are in the process of identifying the knowledge gaps in geriatric oncology and proposing research methods and strategies to fill these gaps. In the UK, the Macmillan Cancer Support, Age UK and the Department of Health have initiated a number of projects testing new methods for assessment of older people with cancer. In Denmark, there is no national strategy for the management of elderly cancer patients, and current treatment decisions are primarily based on chronologic age and insufficient evaluations of functional levels.

The aim of the symposium is to present and discuss the latest international development from basic research through translational research to clinical practice in order to facilitate future research and treatment strategies in older cancer patients. A panel of top international speakers in the field will be invited.

Organiser

Jørn Herrstedt, Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital  (www.AgeCare.org)

If you interested in participating in the symposium, please send an application to symposium@cancer.dk no later than Friday, 1 July 2016. For further information, see Applications.

Symposium Secretariat
If you have any further questions regarding the symposium, please contact:

Anne Marie Hansen / Lissa Churchward

Danish Cancer Society
Strandboulevarden 49
2100 Copenhagen, Denmark

E-mail: symposium@cancer.dk

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