Senior Adult Oncology Programme at St James’s Hospital

The Senior Adult Oncology Programme is an outpatient service for patients aged 65 and older who are commencing systemic anticancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy. The programme is designed to address the specific needs of older adults, providing tailored support throughout the treatment process to optimize outcomes and manage the additional health challenges, and different treatment priorities, often faced by this age group. The programme follows best practices supported by major international oncology societies such as ASCO, ESMO, and SIOG.

  • Referrals are accepted from oncology teams within the hospital. Patients commencing systemic treatment are contacted prior to the start of treatment for a brief telephone assessment. This helps identify whether further support from the Senior Adult Oncology team is needed.

  • The multidisciplinary team includes:

    •    Physiotherapist: Sophie Grehan / Grainne Sheill 
    •    Occupational Therapist: Sarah Farrell 
    •    Consultant Geriatrician: Amanda Lavan 
    •    Consultant Medical Oncologist: Colm Mac Eochagain 
    •    Clinical Fellow: Siofra Hearne

    The team works collaboratively to provide comprehensive care that addresses the medical, physical, and social needs of older patients during treatment.

  • The core intervention is a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), which evaluates multiple aspects of the patient's health and well-being, ensuring that all relevant factors are considered before treatment begins. Key areas assessed include:

    •    General health, including other (non-cancer) health conditions 
    •    Current medications, focusing on reducing polypharmacy 
    •    Mobility and physical strength, with support for daily activities and independence 
    •    Risk of falls assessment and preventive physical therapy 
    •    Social supports and living environment 
    •    Cognitive health and memory issues 
    •    Psychological wellbeing 
    •    Nutritional status, with onward referral to dietetic services if needed 
    •    Symptom management, including fatigue and mood changes related to treatment

    Individualised care plans are developed based on the patient’s specific needs, with the goal of improving quality of life and treatment outcomes.

  • Patients can be referred to the Senior Adult Oncology Programme by their treating oncology team. For further details, please contact the relevant clinical department at St James’s Hospital.