Implementing frailty assessment and management in oncology services

Frailty is defined as “A medical syndrome with multiple causes and contributors that is characterised by diminished strength, endurance, and reduced physiologic function that increases an individual’s vulnerability….” Frailty is common in patients with cancer. Patients with frailty are vulnerable to higher rates of treatment toxicity and surgical complications, and worse quality of life and survival outcomes. However, these can and should be improved with targeted assessment, support and management of frailty. Each step in the cancer pathway is an opportunity for assessing and managing frailty. Guidance published by the Joint Collegiate Council for Oncology, in association with the British Geriatrics Society, the International Society of Geriatric Oncology and Macmillan Cancer Support, is intended to encourage and support the implementation of frailty assessment and management in oncology services in the UK. It provides practical advice and recommendations to help ensure this becomes a routine part of clinical care. Frailty is everyone’s business and although aimed primarily at oncologists, this guidance is relevant to everyone involved in the care of adult patients with cancer across the wider multi-disciplinary team.