YSIOG member spotlight – Q1 2025

Alica Castelo Loureiro

I am a medical oncologist at the Older Adults with Cancer Multidisciplinary Care Unit at Fundación Jiménez Díaz in Madrid, Spain. I serve as a bridge between oncology and geriatrics to ensure a comprehensive and personalized approach for older adults with cancer.
My work is entirely focused on caring for older adults with cancer. Together with geriatrician Dr. Myriam Rodríguez Couso, we run a joint geriatric-oncology consultation where we see patients together, aiming to adjust both oncologic and non-oncologic treatments for older adults with lung cancer.

Our institute hosts fellowships and external rotations, providing training opportunities for professionals interested in geriatric oncology. Our goal is to expand and standardize geriatric oncology practices, ensuring that older adults with cancer receive the best possible care, no matter where they are treated.
I participate in the Basic Geriatric Oncology Course, designed for young residents and early-career specialists from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) and the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SEGG). Additionally, in collaboration with Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), we are developing an Expert Degree in Geriatric Oncology, aimed at training oncologists, geriatricians, and other specialists involved in the care of older cancer patients. My interest in geriatric oncology extends beyond clinical practice and education to research, focusing on shared care models and treatment optimization for frail patients.
As a member of the Young SIOG Governance Team, I am responsible for managing YSIOG’s social media and organizing social events to encourage networking and collaboration among our members. Whether over a coffee break or at a social gathering, I believe that fostering strong professional relationships is key, both inside and outside the hospital.
Born in Galicia, Spain, I bring my passion for oncogeriatrics and a strong caffeine dependency wherever I go. Through Young SIOG, I contribute to the international advancement of geriatric oncology, fostering collaboration and developing strategies to improve care for this growing patient population.