Vol 8, No 1 (2012)
Review paper
Published online: 2012-03-29
Elderly patients treatment with non-small-cell lung cancer
Onkol. Prak. Klin 2012;8(1):28-35.
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most common cause of death from malignant neoplasms. Non-small-cell lung cancer
(NSCLC) is diagnosed in the vast majority (80–85%) of patients. When treatment decisions are being
made — in addition to classical prognostic factors (performance status, clinical stage or weight loss)
— in elderly patients additional factors should be considered. These include co-morbidities, functional
status, mental status, cognitive status, nutritional status and demand for social assistance. These are
known elements for comprehensive geriatric assessment and may affect survival of patients with NSCLC.
The paper presents various methods of treatment non-small-cell lung cancer in terms of patient’s age.
(NSCLC) is diagnosed in the vast majority (80–85%) of patients. When treatment decisions are being
made — in addition to classical prognostic factors (performance status, clinical stage or weight loss)
— in elderly patients additional factors should be considered. These include co-morbidities, functional
status, mental status, cognitive status, nutritional status and demand for social assistance. These are
known elements for comprehensive geriatric assessment and may affect survival of patients with NSCLC.
The paper presents various methods of treatment non-small-cell lung cancer in terms of patient’s age.
Keywords: non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)elderly patientschermotherapytargeted therapyradiotherapy