[Geriatric Oncology].

The number of older adults in Japan is rising, and healthcare for older patients differs from those of younger patients.We have limited available data regarding the outcomes of cancer treatment in this population.In addition, we have few guidelines to address the evaluation and treatment of older cancer patients in Japan.The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development(AMED)has funded clinical research focusing on elderly cancer patients.We organized the Geriatric Study Committee in Japan Clinical Oncology Group(JCOG)to develop geriatric research policy in this area.This policy includes the (1)definition of a selection policy for the subjects of geriatric research,(2)establishment of standard endpoints and methodological schemes for geriatric research, and(3)recommendations for standard tools of geriatric assessment.We are also developing a curriculum in geriatric oncology for medical doctors and oncology nurses to improve the evidence-based evaluation and treatment of elderly cancer patients.Japanese society is progressing to address the increasing number of elderly patients using a team approach in a broad sense, which consists of cancer professionals, healthcare providers, and government.