Oral Presentation Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Radiation Therapy in Geriatric Oncology: Balancing Efficacy and Tolerance  (#84)

Hien Le 1
  1. Royal Adelaide Hospital, ADELAIDE, SA, Australia

As cancer incidence rises with age, older adults are increasingly affected yet may be under-referred for Radiation Oncology based on chronological age rather than biological fitness. This talk highlights modern radiation approaches that are effective, well tolerated, and often less burdensome — including hypofractionated and stereotactic regimens that can avoid systemic toxicity or high-risk surgery. We will also review practical palliative options, such as single-fraction and short-course treatments, that provide meaningful symptom relief with minimal disruption to quality of life, reinforcing that age alone should not limit access to appropriate radiation therapy.