Impact of patients´ age on chemotherapy indication for early breast cancer in Germany

Abstract

Background Chemotherapy for early breast cancer (EBC) is used more specifically due to individual risk stratification. In cases with chemotherapy indication the neoadjuvant application (NACT) is the preferred option. It enables in vivo sensitivity testing and less radical surgery as compared to primary surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT). Patients’ age is one of the most relevant factors concerning decision-making in the context of chemotherapy. Intention of this study was to illustrate the impact of patients’ age on systemic treatment of EBC with data from a large patient cohort.