BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Elderly patients with head and neck cancer may not be treated aggressively with radiotherapy, due to concerns regarding tolerance of treatment and toxicity. A retrospective study was undertaken of patients aged 80 years and over, treated by definitive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 98 patients aged 80-92 received radiotherapy for carcinoma of the head and neck between 1991 and 1995. All patients received beam directed radiotherapy with radical intent using an immobilisation shell. RESULTS: Cancer specific survival was 59% and overall local control was 70% at 5 years. Both were significantly affected by T stage and site of disease. Cancer specific survival was comparable to that of patients aged below 80 years. Seven patients died within 6 months of the treatment. Three patients developed severe late toxicity. Metastatic disease occurred in eight patients. CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy is a beneficial and well tolerated treatment in elderly patients with carcinoma of the head and neck.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Elderly patients with head and neck cancer may not be treated aggressively with radiotherapy, due to concerns regarding tolerance of treatment and toxicity. A retrospective study was undertaken of patients aged 80 years and over, treated by definitive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 98 patients aged 80-92 received radiotherapy for carcinoma of the head and neck between 1991 and 1995. All patients received beam directed radiotherapy with radical intent using an immobilisation shell. RESULTS:Cancer specific survival was 59% and overall local control was 70% at 5 years. Both were significantly affected by T stage and site of disease. Cancer specific survival was comparable to that of patients aged below 80 years. Seven patients died within 6 months of the treatment. Three patients developed severe late toxicity. Metastatic disease occurred in eight patients. CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy is a beneficial and well tolerated treatment in elderly patients with carcinoma of the head and neck.
Authors: Virginia A Moye; Sindhu Chandramouleeswaran; Ni Zhao; Hyman B Muss; Mark C Weissler; David N Hayes; Jose P Zevallos Journal: Oncologist Date: 2015-01-12
Authors: Barbara A Murphy; Amy Chen; Walter J Curran; Adam S Garden; Paul M Harari; Stuart J Wong; K Kian Ang Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2009-03-05 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Ronald J Maggiore; Emily K Curran; Mary Ellyn Witt; Daniel J Haraf; Everett E Vokes; Ezra E W Cohen Journal: J Geriatr Oncol Date: 2013-06-10 Impact factor: 3.599