Radiotherapy in Geriatric Lung Cancer Patients

Merve ŞAHİNa , Berrin BENLİ YAVUZb
aErzurum City Hospital, Clinic of Radiation Oncology, Erzurum, Türkiye
bNecmettin Erbakan University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Konya, Türkiye

Şahin M, Benli Yavuz B. Radiotherapy in geriatric lung cancer patients. In: Metcalfe E, ed. Radiotherapy and Current Developments in Geriatric Cancers. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2024. p.25-32.

ABSTRACT
Management of elderly patients is challenging. Elderly patients with non-small cell (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are underrepresented in most studies. In these patients, chronologic age should not be the only determinant of treatment decisions. Age-related physiological changes may affect the tolerability of cancer treatment, and patient physiology should be considered in treatment decisions. Comprehensive geriatric evaluation may reduce treatment toxicities and failures. It has been showmn in most studies that older patients have similar oncologic outcomes when treated according to stage compared to younger patients. Therefore, treatment should be individualized and evaluated with a multidisciplinary approach to avoid under or over-treatment in elderly patients. In patients who can tolerate treatment, treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

Keywords: Elderly; lung cancer; radiotherapy

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