Exercise Training in Elderly Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

The incidence and prevalence of cancer mainly affect the geriatric population. In this segment of the population, streamlining cancer care and making it more sustainable is essential. The objective in the care of the elderly cancer patient is not simply the control of the disease but above all the quality of life and the prevention of disability. With this systematic review of the literature, we want to analyze the state of the art of oncological care in the elderly patient by proposing physical exercise both before and after specifically oncological treatments as a driving force of good clinical practice. Due to the aging of the population, in 70% of cases, a new cancer diagnosis equals a cancer diagnosis in a geriatric patient. In this population, beyond the concept of mortality and morbidity, functional capacity, disability, and quality of life remain crucial. In fact, when the functional status is preserved, the pathogenetic curve towards disability will stop or even regress. The present systematic review investigated the effectiveness of physical exercise, as part of a holistic assessment of the patient, for preventing disability and improving the patient's quality of life, and partially reducing all-cause mortality. This evidence must point towards decentralization of care by implementing the development of rehabilitation programs for elderly cancer patients either before or after anti-cancer therapy.