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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

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Published on: February 6, 2015

Development of novel anticancer agents in older patients: pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and other considerations

Anthony J Murgo1, Igor Espinoza-Delgado

  • 1National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20852, USA. murgoa@mail.nih.gov

Cancer Journal (Sudbury, Mass.)
|January 6, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Developing new cancer drugs for elderly patients requires addressing unique challenges like drug interactions and adherence issues. Including older adults in clinical trials is crucial for effective cancer treatment research.

Area of Science:

  • Geriatric Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Trial Design

Background:

  • Older cancer patients exhibit significant intrapatient variability due to comorbidities and polypharmacy.
  • Age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences can impact drug efficacy and toxicity.
  • Challenges exist in developing novel anticancer agents tailored for the elderly population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the challenges and opportunities in developing novel anticancer agents for older patients.
  • To emphasize the need for increased inclusion of elderly individuals in clinical trials.
  • To underscore the potential for insights from geriatric cancer studies to benefit all age groups.

Main Methods:

  • Review of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations in elderly cancer patients.
  • Analysis of challenges related to oral anticancer agents and adherence in older adults.
  • Discussion of the impact of comorbidities and polypharmacy on treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Comorbidities and polypharmacy can mask age-related pharmacokinetic differences.
  • Oral anticancer agents pose adherence challenges for elderly patients, especially with complex regimens.
  • Impaired organ reserve and immune function in the elderly can lead to increased toxicity and potentially reduced efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Successful development of novel anticancer agents for older patients necessitates greater participation in clinical trials.
  • Data from elderly cancer patient studies can inform the development of treatments for younger patients.
  • Research in older adults contributes to a broader understanding of cancer biology and treatment strategies.

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