Abstract

MUELAS SORIA, Rodrigo. Nutritional impact of radiotherapy in oncogeriatric patients. Can radiation oncologists minimize the radiotherapy impact on the nutritional status of the elderly patient?. Nutr. Hosp. [online]. 2020, vol.37, n.spe1, pp.31-37.  Epub July 06, 2020. ISSN 1699-5198.  https://dx.doi.org/10.20960/nh.02987.

Cancer in elderly patients represents a global health challenge due to the increase in its incidence and its associated mortality. In our country it is the second leading cause of death in people over 65 years. In the coming years, the problem will increase, with a prognosis of people over 65 years of 35% in 2050. Radiotherapy is an essential part of the multidisciplinary treatment of cancer in elderly patients, where sometimes it is considered as the first therapeutic option and others, as an alternative to surgery and/or chemotherapy if they pose too much risk. The technological development of Radiation Oncology in recent years has allowed optimizing treatments and reducing side effects in elderly patients, who tend to have a higher incidence of comorbidities. It is essential that professionals involved in the multidisciplinary treatment of cancer know the possible toxicity and its management in oncogeriatric patients; otherwise, the percentage of patients who do not receive radiotherapy despite of an adequate indication will not decrease. In this sense, it is necessary to recognize those patients who may suffer from malnutrition or are at risk of suffering it, to initiate a nutritional intervention that minimizes weight loss that alters or even causes the suspension of the planned treatment.

Keywords : Radiotherapy; Aged; Neoplasms; Nutritional support.

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