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Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer in elderly patients
Clare P Schofield1, Andrew J Sykes, Nicholas J Slevin
1Department of Clinical Oncology, Christie Hospital, Oak Road, Withington, Manchester, UK.
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.
