0000000000714423
AUTHOR
Martine Extermann
Treating cancer in older and oldest old patients.
The so-called “silver tsunami” is a metaphor that the individuals 65 and older represent the most rapidly growing segment of the Western world population. Aging is an ongoing process that leads to the loss of functional reserve of multiple organ systems, increased susceptibility to stress, it is associated with increased prevalence of chronic disease, and functional dependence. Determined by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, this process is highly individualized and poorly reflected in chronologic age. The heterogeneity and the complexity of the older old population represent the main challenge to the treatment of cancer in those patients. We should discern "fit" elderly i…
Cancer in the older person.
Cancer in the older person is an increasingly common problem, due to the progressive prolongation of the life-expectancy of the Western population. This article reviews the mechanisms associating aging and cancer, age-related changes in cancer biology, assessment of the older person to estimate life-expectancy, treatment tolerance, and medical and social conditions that may interfere with cancer treatment, effectiveness of cancer prevention and cancer treatment in older individuals. A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is commonly used to predict life-expectancy and functional reserve and to unearth conditions that may jeopardize cancer prevention and treatment. In the interest of cos…
Nonsurgical treatments for primary liver carcinoma in elderly patients: a 12-year retrospective study
Introduction: Cancer is a leading cause of death. 70 percent of cases develop over the age of 65. Although a few patients with metastatic cancer are potentially resectable for cure (particularly those with isolated metastases), treatment for most patients is palliative and generally consists of systemic chemotherapy asoociated to target therapy. Objectives: To evaluate efficacy, safety and outcome of the addition of bevacizumab to chemotherapy in advanced cancer in elderly patients, a prospective study was carried on the last four years at Gonesse Hospital Group. Methods: Patients older than 65year with advanced metastatic (Stage IV) cancer (fourteen colorectal carcinoma, five breast carcin…