Perioperative Geriatrics Intervention for Older Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgical Resection

Perioperative Geriatrics Intervention for Older Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgical Resection

The purpose of this research study is to addresses the challenge of managing the unique perioperative needs of older cancer patients undergoing surgical resection.

In the proposed study, the investigators will conduct a randomized controlled trial of a perioperative geriatrics intervention versus usual care in older patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers undergoing surgical resection. The perioperative geriatrics intervention will entail pre- and post-operative geriatric care for patients age ≥65 undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal cancers. Specifically, geriatric clinicians will evaluate and manage patients preoperatively in the outpatient setting and postoperatively in the inpatient setting as a consultant.

The investigators will evaluate the effect of the perioperative geriatrics intervention on postoperative length of stay (primary outcome) and readmissions in a sample of 160 patients. The investigators will also assess the impact of the perioperative geriatrics intervention on patient-reported outcomes, including quality of life (QOL) and symptom burden.

The study will take place at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 65 or older
• Diagnosed with pancreatic, esophageal, rectal, colon, hepatobiliary, or gastric cancer (including patients with prior diagnosis of another cancer)
• Planning to receive surgical resection at MGH (including both curative and palliative resections)
• Verbal fluency in English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unwilling or unable to participate in the study
• Significant uncontrolled psychiatric disorder (e.g. psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression) or other co-morbid disease (e.g. dementia, cognitive impairment) which the treating clinician believes prohibits informed consent or participation in the study