Abstract
A taskforce of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) has recently submitted recommendations on the use of anthracyclines in elderly patients. Despite the aging of the population and the high proportion of elderly individuals in the population of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the development of specialist expertise in the treatment of elderly patients with cancer is relatively recent. Treatment of the elderly is complex because they are a highly heterogeneous population, with large variations in health status, comorbidities and life expectancy. In addition, these patients are generally more susceptible than young patients to the cardiotoxic effects of anthracyclines. Strategies for assessing elderly patients with cancer, reducing the risk of congestive heart failure, and assessing the cardiotoxic effects of treatments are discussed. In addition, a summary of the SIOG recommendations is presented.
Highlights
The International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) has the aim of fostering the development of health professionals in the field of geriatric oncology, in order to optimize treatment for older adults with cancer
This paper discusses some of the issues in treating cancer in the elderly, and in using anthracyclines, and presents a summary of the SIOG recommendations for their use
In the Southwestern Oncology Group trials between 1993 and 1996, overall only 22% of patients were at least 65 years of age, and only 8-13% of patients were aged 70 years or more. This discrepancy was noticeable in some conditions that affect the elderly, such as lymphoma.[9]. This practice has changed somewhat in the last decade, and there are more and more randomized, controlled clinical trials in elderly patients,[10] which can form the basis of evidence-based guidelines (Figure 2).[4]
Summary
Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL) occur in patients older than 65 years of age; Figure 1].2 with an aging population, the incidence of these cancers is likely to grow. Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL) occur in patients older than 65 years of age; Figure 1].2. With an aging population, the incidence of these cancers is likely to grow. Treatment of elderly patients with cancer is not a simple matter, as they are a highly heterogeneous patient population.[3] In addition, elderly patients generally have greater cardiac risk than those who are younger. There is the need to develop specialist expertise in the treatment of elderly cancer patients. Conflict of interest: the author has received honoraria from Cephalon
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