Perioperative Geriatrics Intervention for Older Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgical Resection

In the proposed study, the investigators will conduct a randomized controlled trial of a
perioperative geriatrics intervention versus usual care in older patients with
gastrointestinal (GI) cancers undergoing surgical resection. The perioperative geriatrics
intervention will entail pre- and post-operative geriatric care for patients age ≥65
undergoing surgery for pancreatic, esophageal and gastric cancers. Specifically, geriatric
clinicians will evaluate and manage patients preoperatively in the outpatient setting and
postoperatively in the inpatient setting as a consultant.

The investigators will evaluate the effect of the perioperative geriatrics intervention on
postoperative length of stay (primary outcome) and readmissions in a sample of 160 patients.
The investigators will also assess the impact of the perioperative geriatrics intervention on
patient-reported outcomes, including quality of life (QOL) and symptom burden.

The study will take place at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Age 65 or older

- Diagnosed with pancreatic, esophageal or gastric cancer (including patients with prior
diagnosis of another cancer)

- Panning to receive surgical resection at MGH (including both curative and palliative
resections)

- Verbal fluency in English

Exclusion Criteria:

- Unwilling or unable to participate in the study

- Significant uncontrolled psychiatric disorder (e.g. psychotic disorder, bipolar
disorder, major depression) or other co-morbid disease (e.g. dementia, cognitive
impairment) which the treating clinician believes prohibits informed consent or
participation in the study