Seminars in Ageing: Geriatric Oncology and Radiotherapy

About the presenter

A/Prof Penny Mackenzie is the Director of Radiation Oncology at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s hospital. Penny completed her speciality training in Radiation Oncology in Brisbane followed by a Breast Cancer Radiation Oncology Fellowship at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Canada in 2013/2014. 
 
Penny’s sub-speciality interests include breast cancer, head and neck cancer, haematologic malignancies and geriatric oncology. Penny also enjoys teaching and research and is an Associate Professor at the University of Qld. Penny has completed a PhD in Geriatric Oncology and Radiotherapy Utilisation (UNSW). 
 
Penny is also a former chair of the Radiation Oncology Reference Committee at eviQ, (National Radiotherapy protocols) and a current member of the Partnership and Radiation Oncology Subcommittees and founding Chair of the Geriatric Oncology Subcommittee at the Cancer Alliance, Queensland. 

About the seminar

Geriatric Oncology is a relatively new term and refers to the older cohort of patients with a diagnosis of cancer. The increase in the ageing population is well documented, and we see this in our day-to-day practice. There are however specific challenges in treating older patients with cancer. Treatment strategies need great consideration in balancing local control and survival with tolerance and toxicity, specifically when older patients may have multiple chronic comorbidities and may be less able to travel for care. Furthermore, older patients are typically under-represented in clinical trials. There are also many misconceptions among patients, referrers, and providers about the ability of older patients to undergo treatment. Radiotherapy is an important component of the treatment options for older patients with cancer. It is non-invasive (in comparison to surgery) and generally does not have systemic side effects (in comparison to systemic therapy with chemotherapy, immunotherapy or biologic therapy).

Expect an engaging session exploring:

• The unique challenges of cancer care in older adults
• Balancing treatment effectiveness with tolerance and comorbidities
• Common misconceptions about treating older people with cancer
• The important role radiotherapy can play in supporting healthy ageing.

Register now