Senior Adult Oncology Program

The Senior Adult Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center is aimed at preventing and treating cancer in older people, as well as improving their quality of life. A cornerstone of the program is a comprehensive geriatric assessment that helps team members to identify problem areas related to cancer, as well as other issues that are directly related to aging – such as missed diagnoses and day-to-day functional abilities.

The program strives to:

• Design personalized medical and therapeutic treatment plans  
• Recognize "unsuspected" diagnoses
• Maximize social support
• Prevent dangerous drug interactions
• Optimize the nutrition  
• Meet the rehabilitative needs  
• Address socioeconomic issues and family/caregiver concerns  

About the Program

The Senior Adult Oncology Program provides an innovative approach to the care of adults age 70 and older with cancer. The treatment plan considers conditions that
may affect older patients, including accompanying diseases, limitations on activity, transportation problems, volume of medications, nutritional problems and memory
disorders or depression.

Moffitt's Senior Adult Oncology Program addresses the high prevalence of cancer in older persons. Half of all cancers occur in people age 70 and older; 60 percent of all cancer deaths occur in this specific population. Among American men over age 50, prostate cancer is the most common malignancy, and its incidence rate rises with each decade. Among American women, breast cancer incidence also increases with age.

The specialists in the Senior Adult Oncology Program assess these and other cancerous conditions so that they can tailor cancer treatments to each senior individual. We conduct each patient's assessment and treatment within a multidisciplinary team that includes oncology nurses, a dietitian, a pharmacist, a social worker, a geriatric oncology nurse practitioner and geriatric oncologists.

A holistic approach is used to assess functional limitations and nutritional and psychosocial status. Use of prescription and non-prescription medications is reviewed, and possible harmful interactions and side effects are identified. This includes counseling on the use of alternative medications, such as herbs, vitamins, etc.

Our aim is to provide complete clinical care; to provide education for the patient, family and community; and to conduct research that contributes to the prevention and care of cancer. The Senior Adult Oncology Program is not designed to provide primary care needs. All patients are expected to have a primary care physician. We will coordinate care with all your providers accordingly.  Appointments are available both in-person and virtually.

Our Providers

Martine Extermann, MD, PhD
Mohammed Al_Jumayli, MD
Julie Kish, MD, FACP
Christine Sam, MD

Virtual Second Opinion Option at Moffitt Cancer Center

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, have transportation concerns, and would like to get a second opinion from one of our expert senior adult oncologists, you can request a virtual senior adult visit. No referral is necessary.

To schedule an appointment or for more information about our services, please call 1-888-663-3488 or you can request an appointment online.    

More Resources:

Nutrition
Social Work
Survivorship
Counseling and Support
Online Resources
Supportive Care Medicine
Rehabilitation Services