Lymphomas are a group of diseases that affect the lymphatic system, or rather cells and tissues that are responsible for defending the body against external agents and disease and to ensure proper circulation of fluids in the body.
Lymphomas of the elderly patient should be treated with specific therapies due to the characteristics of this group of patients, who often have other associated diseases, a reduced function of major organs or changes in functional status.
The choice of the type of treatment must therefore take into account the possible toxicity resulting from the use of the standard treatments in use in young patients. It is therefore necessary to adapt therapies and to use dosages of drugs in function of the fitness status of the patient, considering also the use of drugs potentially less toxic.
The objectives of Lymphomas of the elderly Commission are:
- Validation of geriatric score to allow a multi-functional evaluation of the elderly patient and be able to determine the best type of treatment;
- Collection of prospective data in order to describe features of elderly patients with lymphoma;
- Outline prospective phase II and III trials, on a national and international level, to improve the treatment of elderly patients with lymphoma, both at diagnosis and at relapse, with the help of multidimensional geriatric assessment for selecting patients and using innovative drugs or new combinations of drugs;
- Collaborate with other Commissions for the implementation of Multidimensional Geriatric Assessment in prospective studies;
- Collaborate with other Cooperative International groups in prospective clinical trials to improve the management and treatment of elderly patients with lymphoma;
- Organizing scientific educational events in order to disseminate knowledge on the lymphoma of the elderly and on the management of these patients in clinical practice;
- Involve specialists from other disciplines for a multidisciplinary approach to the elderly patient.