Multinational study of quality of life in older adults after major cancer surgery

Accurate quality of life (QOL) data and functional results after cancer surgery are lacking for older patients (≥ 70 years). The multinational Geriatric Oncology Surgical Assessment and Functional Recovery after Surgery (GOSAFE) study compared QOL in these patients before and after surgery. GOSAFE showed that older adults’ preoperative QOL is preserved 3 months after cancer surgery, independent of their age, and improved at 6 months. The authors conclude that frailty screening tools, PRO and goals-of care discussions can guide decisions to pursue surgery and direct patients’ expectations.