Implementation of an Algorithm of Cohort Classification to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Nursing Homes.

Older adults living in nursing homes are the most vulnerable group of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are many difficulties in isolating residents and limiting the spread in this setting. We have developed a simple algorithm with a traffic light format for resident classification and sectorization within nursing homes, based on basic diagnostic tests, surveillance of symptoms onset, and close contact monitoring. We have implemented the algorithm in several centers with good data on adherence. Suggestions for implementation and evaluation are discussed.

Anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia: a Young SIOG review paper.

The incidence of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) increases with age. Intensive induction chemotherapy containing cytarabine and an anthracycline has been part of the upfront and salvage treatment of AML for decades. Anthracyclines are associated with a significant risk of cardiotoxicity (especially anthracycline-related left ventricular dysfunction [ARLVD]). In the older adult population, the higher prevalence of cardiac comorbidities and risk factors may further increase the risk of ARLVD. In this article of the Young International Society of Geriatric Oncology group, we review the prevalence of ARLVD in patients with AML and factors predisposing to ARLVD, focusing on older adults when possible. In addition, we review the assessment of cardiac function and management of ARLVD during and after treatment. It is worth noting that only a minority of clinical trials focus on alternative treatment strategies in patients with mildly declined left ventricular ejection fraction or at a high risk for ARLVD. The limited evidence for preventive strategies to ameliorate ARLVD and alternative strategies to anthracycline use in the setting of cardiac comorbidities are discussed. Based on extrapolation of findings from younger adults and nonrandomized trials, we recommend a comprehensive baseline evaluation of cardiac function by imaging, cardiac risk factors, and symptoms to risk stratify for ARLVD. Anthracyclines remain an appropriate choice for induction although careful risk-stratification based on cardiac disease, risk factors, and predicted chemotherapy-response are warranted. In case of declined left ventricular ejection fraction, alternative strategies should be considered.

Propuesta de desarrollo de una unidad de oncogeriatría. Tiempos de cambio: nuestra realidad / Proposed development of a geriatric oncology unit. Times of change: our reality

La edad es uno de los principales factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de cáncer. Se espera que el ritmo actual de envejecimiento poblacional tenga un impacto sin precedentes sobre la incidencia de diversos tumores. De hecho, el abordaje de los pacientes oncológicos de edad avanzada es ya un importante problema de salud pública en los países desarrollados. Sin embargo, estos pacientes han sido tradicionalmente excluidos de los ensayos clinicos, y están ausentes de los protocolos habituales de tratamiento oncológico. Por ello, los profesionales de salud se encuentran en territorio desconocido, sin herramientas con que enfrentarse a las múltiples dificultades que se plantean a diario en el tratamiento de estos pacientes. La valoración geriátrica integral se posiciona como una herramienta ideal para una correcta detección de problemas ocultos, facilitar la toma de decisiones sobre las opciones de tratamiento en pacientes complejos, y coordinar la asistencia de los pacientes ancianos con comorbilidad

Age is one of the main risk factors for the development of cancer. It is expected that the progressive aging of the population will have an unprecedented impact on the incidence of various tumours. In fact, the management of elderly cancer patients is already a major public health problem in developed countries. However, elderly patients have systematically been excluded from cancer drug studies or protocol development. This has left health professionals in uncharted territory, without proper tools to address the multiple difficulties that arise in the treatment of these patients. A comprehensive geriatric assessment may serve as an ideal tool for the correct detection of hidden problems, facilitating treatment decisions in these complex patients, and integrating the care of patients with comorbidities

[Proposed development of a geriatric oncology unit. Times of change: Our reality]. / Propuesta de desarrollo de una unidad de oncogeriatría. Tiempos de cambio: nuestra realidad.

Age is one of the main risk factors for the development of cancer. It is expected that the progressive aging of the population will have an unprecedented impact on the incidence of various tumours. In fact, the management of elderly cancer patients is already a major public health problem in developed countries. However, elderly patients have systematically been excluded from cancer drug studies or protocol development. This has left health professionals in uncharted territory, without proper tools to address the multiple difficulties that arise in the treatment of these patients. A comprehensive geriatric assessment may serve as an ideal tool for the correct detection of hidden problems, facilitating treatment decisions in these complex patients, and integrating the care of patients with comorbidities.