Why dedicate trials for older patients with cancer? (Dr. Nicolò Matteo Luca Battisti)

Managing cancer in older adults may be challenging in routine clinical practice. This is also because the available evidence to inform treatment decision-making and discussions with patients and caregivers is derived from clinical trials recruiting few and/or very selected older adult patient populations. Their under-representation in oncology registration trials undermines their external validity. There are several opportunities to expand the evidence base in geriatric oncology: enrolling more vulnerable and frail patient populations, selecting meaningul trial endpoints, including geriatric assessments in trial design and utilising novel tria designs. These considerations are in line with the International Society of Geriatric Oncology Top Priorities.

• Understand the challenges of applying clinical trial findings for the management of cancer in real-world older adult patients
• Learn opportunities to improve clinical trial design in geriatric oncology

Clinical research in disparities and resource-limited settings (Dr. Enrique Soto)

This presentation will delve into geriatric oncology research in limited resource settings, with a focus on disparities and the inclusion of diverse populations. We will discuss how research findings can be made applicable and relevant in contexts where resources are scarce, emphasizing the importance of reverse innovation and international collaborations. Participants will learn to identify and overcome barriers in geriatric oncology research within these contexts, promoting equity and improving outcomes for older adults with cancer globally.

• Understand the importance of including diverse populations in geriatric oncology research** to ensure findings are representative and globally applicable, particularly in limited resource settings.
• Analyze the applicability and relevance of geriatric oncology research findings in limited resource contexts**, identifying strategies to adapt and apply these findings across diverse clinical settings.
• Explore the concept of reverse innovation and the significance of international collaborations** in geriatric oncology research, highlighting how knowledge and resource exchange can enhance cancer care in low- and middle-income countries.

Challenges of massive data and/or clinical data-warehouses use in GO (Charline Jean)

This session will explore the challenges and opportunities of leveraging massive data and clinical data warehouses (CDWs) in geriatric oncology, focusing on the unique complexities of older cancer patients. Participants will gain insights into data integration, data quality, and real-world applications involving multidisciplinary teams, equipping them to effectively utilize data to enhance clinical research in geriatric oncology.

• Clarify the concepts of data integration, data quality, and data completeness when working with massive real-world data.
• Leverage CDWs to generate meaningful research insights, such as identifying care trajectories, predicting outcomes, or simulating target trials tailored to the unique needs of older cancer patients.
• Engage and mobilize multidisciplinary teams to enhance the development and application of real-world evidence.

Specificities of clinical trials in Surgery in GO (Dr. Michael Jaklitsch)

Multi-institutional surgical clinical trials differ from non-operative trials in many ways.  The most important single aspect is a quality assurance step.  The investigator needs to build in confirmation that every surgeon is doing the same operation, that every patient has the same cancer stage, and may require central review of radiology or pathology.  Interesting topics for potential trials in elderly patients include selection of patients for surgery, prehabilitation in preparation for surgery, innovative surgical techniques that minimize adverse events, early recovery protocols, and time to adjuvant therapy for cancer patients.  Dr Jaklitsch will address these topics and challenge investigators to consider partnerships with surgeons in new protocols.

• The ability to perform multi-specialty clinical trials, including surgeons.
• Recognition of potential confounding surgical influence in published trials

Data Interpretation and Biases in Observational Studies (Prof. Dr. Sophie Pilleron)

In the session on Data Interpretation & Biases in Observational Studies, I will highlight key points of caution when planning and conducting a quantitative study using observational data, i.e., data not derived from experiments such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs). There are several biases that anyone analyzing quantitative observational data should be aware of and vigilant about. We will discuss some of these biases, especially those that are less well-known but relevant to the field of geriatric oncology. Additionally, we will emphasize the importance of defining a well-structured research question, as it determines the appropriate analytic method and influences the interpretation of the findings. We will also touch on some analytic approaches that have recently gained popularity.

• Identify Key Biases: Understand and recognize various biases that can affect the analysis of observational data.
• Develop Vigilance in Data Analysis: Demonstrate awareness of the specific points of vigilance required when analyzing quantitative observational data.
• Formulate good Research Questions: Appreciate the importance of well-defined research questions that guide the choice of analytic methods and impact the interpretation of findings.
• Enhance Critical Evaluation Skills: Improve their ability to critically evaluate the design, methodology, and findings of observational studies in the field of geriatric oncology

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) in GO: the latest data and opportunities for clinical research (Dr. Maximilien Autheman, Dr. Capucine Baldini)

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) in GO offers significant opportunities for improving patient care and advancing clinical research. Recent data highlight its effectiveness in adherence and symptom management, allowing for timely interventions and personalized care. RPM also provides a valuable platform for gathering real-world data, which can enhance our understanding of treatment responses in older cancer patients. As technology evolves, RPM could play a critical role in optimizing outcomes and expanding research opportunities in this population.