[Registries and clinical trials in geriatric oncology in Germany]

Abstract

Regardless of the fact that elderly cancer patients in Germany are more and more recognized as a cohort with special characteristics and potentially specific needs, there is a lack of sound data from clinical trials that could guide the care of this population. This article addresses the issue of underrepresentation of elderly patients in trials and points out why this is not only a missed chance to gain knowledge but also hampers the care of a group that in many cancer entities presents the majority of patients. Finally, an overview of current clinical trials and registries in Germany is presented.