G8 Geriatric Screening Tool for Older Oncology Patients
Eight-item screening tool to identify older patients with cancer (age 70 or above) who require comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) before chemotherapy. Score 14 or below indicates abnormal screen; full CGA recommended. Validated by Bellera et al. 2012 and endorsed by ESMO, SIOG, and ASCO for geriatric oncology practice.
Score interpretation
G8 above 14 -- geriatric screen normal
→ Proceed with standard oncological management; standard-dose chemotherapy appropriate if indicated; re-screen at each treatment cycle or if clinical deterioration; document G8 score in oncology notes.
G8 14 or below -- vulnerability identified; CGA recommended before oncology treatment decisions
→ Refer for comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) with geriatrician; CGA domains: functional status (ADL/iADL), cognition (MoCA/MMSE), nutrition (MNA), polypharmacy review, social support, mood, falls risk, comorbidities; CGA informs: fitness for full-dose vs reduced-dose chemotherapy vs supportive care; involve MDT: oncology, geriatrics, pharmacy, dietetics, palliative care; discuss patient preferences regarding treatment intensity vs quality of life.
Interpretation bands for the G8 Screening. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Bellera CA et al. Screening older cancer patients: first evaluation of the G-8 geriatric screening tool. Ann Oncol. 2012;23(8):2166-2172.
- Wildiers H et al. International Society of Geriatric Oncology consensus on geriatric assessment in older patients with cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(24):2595-2603.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Cisplatin · Platinum Chemotherapy — Head and Neck Cancer
- Folinic Acid (Calcium Folinate / Leucovorin) · Antidote / Chemotherapy Support
- Zoledronic Acid · Bisphosphonate (IV)
- Denosumab · RANK Ligand Inhibitor (Anti-resorptive)
- Cetuximab · Anti-EGFR Monoclonal Antibody — Head and Neck Cancer
- Methotrexate · Chemotherapy / Immunosuppressant — Head and Neck / Granulomatosis
- Major Haemorrhage / Massive Transfusion · BCSH; RCOA; RCEM; RCS — BCSH Guidelines
- Anaemia Investigation · BSH / NICE
- Splenomegaly Workup · BSH; BMJ Best Practice
- Deep Vein Thrombosis Diagnosis and Treatment · NICE CG144 / NICE NG158
- Sickle Cell Crisis · BSH 2021 / BCSH
- Neutropenic Sepsis · NICE CG151 2012 / ESMO
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.