Radiotherapy in the elderly patients

Abstract

Increasing age is directly associated with the increasing rates of cancer. The over-65-year-old group will account for 70% of people with newly diagnosed cancer. The selection of treatment options should be based on the prolongation of life expectancy and overall increase in the quality of life. There is a limited number of radiation oncology clinical trials designed strictly for the elderly patients. Prospective clinical trials for the elderly are critical to develop relevant data that oncologists would apply in their everyday practice. Older patients have variable health status, thus it is crucial to integrate geriatric evaluation into oncology decision-making process. A comprehensive geriatric assessment is a multidimensional, interdisciplinary diagnostic process designed to improve the effectiveness and tolerance of the treatment in the elderly.