Vol 7, No 1 (2011)
Review paper
Published online: 2011-04-28
Treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer in the elderly
Onkol. Prak. Klin 2011;7(1):1-8.
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents 80% of primary lung neoplasm’s. About 50% of
diagnosed NSCLC occur in patients aged over 65 years old. Age is not an exclusion criterium but
careful assessment of the performance status of patients should be performed. Short daily functional
assessment and comprehensive geriatric assessment in selected patients can be helpful
in qualifying to systemic treatment. Results of randomized clinical trials confirm effectiveness of
two-drug cisplatin-based chemotherapy in first line treatment of the patients in good performance
status. A monotherapy with third-generation drug and — in selected patients — gefitinib treatment
is optional. Second-line therapy in elderly is safe and effective. Majority of recommendations are
based on retrospective analysis. Randomized prospective elderly-specific NSCLC trials are necessary
to practically evaluate role of tests of geriatric assessments and effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Onkol. Prak. Klin. 2011; 7, 1: 1–8
Keywords:
non-small-cell lung cancerchemotherapyelderlygeriatric oncology