The Older Adult Hematologic Malignancy (OHM) Program is a specialized Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center research and clinical service that addresses the specialized needs of blood cancer patients who are age 70 and older. We treat patients who have been diagnosed with the following conditions:
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
- Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs)
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
- Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Multiple Myeloma
- Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia
- Precursor Blood Conditions
Our program is focused not only on identifying the best treatments for older patients with hematologic malignancies, but also on managing any other health and wellness issues they face. In the OHM Program, each patient receives collaborative care from both their Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center oncologist and a geriatrician from the Brigham and Women's Hospital Division of Aging. Importantly, visits with both providers occur on-site at Dana-Farber.
The Older Adult Hematologic Malignancy (OHM) Program offers older patients the best cancer care available, while also taking into account other illnesses or concerns specific to this growing population. This includes baseline assessment of frailty for all new patients 70 or older — a unique component of our program — and for those who are determined to need it, comprehensive geriatric assessment and management, including:
- review of past medical history
- management of current non-oncologic medications
- assessment of functional status
- help in maximizing physical and psychological health
- assessment of family and social support
Our geriatricians also address any concerns or questions about:
- diet and exercise
- mobility
- emotional well-being
- home safety
- financial security
- transportation to and from medical appointments
- advanced care planning
Based on this comprehensive geriatric assessment, our team works closely with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center oncologists to create an individualized treatment plan. In addition, our patients are invited to participate in research protocols tailored to older adults, including clinical trials and tissue banking efforts. We are grateful for the support of the Mary P. Murphy Fund for Hematologic Malignancies for help in sustaining this program.
Read about one patient's experience with the Older Adult Hematologic Malignancies Program.
