Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai has launched a dedicated Geriatric Oncology Clinic to provide personalised cancer care for older adults. The clinic will assess patients beyond chronological age, considering factors such as frailty, nutrition, cognitive health, existing illnesses, medication burden and functional independence.
Personalised Cancer Care for Older Adults
Nearly one in two cancer cases in India is estimated to occur among people aged 60 and above, highlighting the growing need for specialised geriatric oncology.
Two patients of the same age can have very different abilities to tolerate cancer treatment. Therefore, a fit 80-year-old may safely receive standard treatment, while a frail 65-year-old may require a modified regimen or additional support.
Dr. Tejinder Singh, Professor and Lead Consultant – Medical and Precision Oncology, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, said:
“Cancer care for older adults cannot follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Age alone does not tell us whether a patient is fit enough for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or surgery. What matters is the patient’s overall health, functional independence, nutritional status, cognitive ability, co-existing illnesses and personal treatment goals.”
As per the press release, the clinic aims to ensure that older patients receive the right treatment at the right intensity while keeping quality of life and dignity at the centre of care.
Preventing Under and Overtreatment
Dr. Sayali Damle, Consultant, Geriatric Medicine, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, said:
“Geriatric oncology is not about giving less treatment to older patients. It is about preventing both undertreatment of fit patients and overtreatment of frail patients who may face avoidable complications.”
The clinic brings together medical oncologists, geriatricians, nutritionists, physiotherapists, psychologists and other specialists. This multidisciplinary approach will support patients from diagnosis and treatment planning through follow-up.
Balancing Treatment with Quality of Life
The initiative also aims to challenge the misconception that advanced age alone should rule out chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy or targeted therapy. At the same time, doctors can address frailty and other vulnerabilities through nutritional support, rehabilitation, medication management and treatment of co-existing conditions.
With the new clinic, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai aims to help older adults and their families make informed cancer-treatment decisions while balancing cancer control, safety, independence and quality of life.