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Chemoradiation for patients with esophageal cancer aged 80 and older
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Chiba University Gradnate School, Japan. unotakas@ho.chiba-u.ac.jp
Background:
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of concurrent chemoradiation in patients with esophageal cancer aged 80 and older.
Patients And Methods:
Seven patients with esophageal cancer, aged 80 or more were treated with chemoradiation. Five received a systemic combination of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil while 2 received daily 5-fluorouracil, concurrent with radiotherapy. The total doses of radiotherapy ranged from 50 to 65 Gy.
Results:
Complete response was obtained in 3 patients, and partial response and no change in 2 cases each. Esophageal passage improved in 4 patients. The treatment was well-tolerated. There was no death attributable to any adverse treatment effects. None of the patients experienced grade 3 or worse acute toxicities.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrated that advanced age per se is not a sufficient reason to exclude elderly patients from aggressive treatment.