Breast cancer in the oldest old (≥ 89 years): Tumor characteristics, treatment choices, clinical outcomes and literature review

Abstract

IntroductionRisk of breast cancer increases with age and very few data are available in patients older than 89. MethodsA retrospective analysis on patients aged 89 and older treated between 2008 and 2019 at our certified breast center. The aim was to analyze clinical characteristics, decision-making, treatment, outcomes and open questions regarding this subpopulation for which there is a lack of guidelines. Results58 patients included. Tumor characteristics were analyzed, 85% patients underwent surgery of which 44% had a mastectomy. The median follow-up and overall survival were 20 and 76 months, respectively.The median survival of metastatic and non-metastatic patients were 14 and 50 months, respectively. Most patients did not receive any adjuvant treatment and among these 14% had a relapse. ConclusionsElderly patients should not be under or over-treated because of their age; they represent a large heterogeneous group deserving a sub-stratification for a better tailored treatment.