Geriatric Assessment and Nursing Telephone Intervention in Elderly Women With Ovarian Cancer

Geriatric Assessment and Nursing Telephone Intervention in Elderly Women With Ovarian Cancer

Older woman with ovarian cancer have a worse prognosis compared to younger patients. However, the reason is not known. Currently, the standard of care is to evaluate younger and older patients with cancer the same way. However, older patients with cancer often have more complicated issues to manage. For example, older patients often have other medical problems, take more medications, and be dependent on others for help and transportation. Too often, the medical team is unaware of these issues which can effect the patients care.

The purpose of this study is to apply a set of questions designed specifically for patients with cancer who are older than 65 years of age. These questions are called a geriatric assessment.

The investigators want to better understand which older patients with ovarian cancer will be able to tolerate the chemotherapy and surgery and why. This study will also see if a telephone call from a nurse who specializes in caring for older patients will improve patient care. This study will determine how feasible it is to perform geriatric assessments and telephone calls in patients with ovarian cancer.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients must be > or = to age of 65. Will receive platinum-based chemotherapy and surgery at MSKCC for stage II-IV ovarian, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer.
• Pathologic confirmation or high suspicion based on Ca125 level and/or radiologic evidence of ovarian, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer.
• Able to understand English.
• Be able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Enrolled on a phase I trial.