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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology

Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology

Published on: May 22, 2026

Breast cancer in the elderly.

Diana Crivellari¹, Matti Aapro, Robert Leonard

¹Division of Medical Oncology C, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN Italy. dcrivellari@cro.it

Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official Journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology

|May 10, 2007

Summary

Elderly breast cancer patients often miss out on treatments despite having a good life expectancy. More clinical trials are needed to ensure evidence-based, age-appropriate care for older women with breast cancer.

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Last Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology

Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology

Published on: May 22, 2026

Area of Science:

Oncology
Geriatric Medicine
Clinical Trials

Background:

Breast cancer incidence is high in women over 65, yet they are often excluded from adjuvant therapy trials.
Fit elderly women (e.g., 70+) have significant life expectancy, facing risks of relapse and cancer-specific death.
Current treatment aims to improve survival and palliate symptoms, with quality of life being paramount in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the underrepresentation of elderly breast cancer patients in clinical trials.
To advocate for the development of evidence-based treatment strategies for this demographic.
To emphasize the need for cost-benefit analyses of new therapies in older populations.

Main Methods:

Review of incidence data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.
Analysis of life expectancy and potential risks for elderly breast cancer patients.
Discussion of current treatment endpoints and emerging therapies like aromatase inhibitors and capecitabine.

Main Results:

Elderly patients, despite good health, are frequently excluded from adjuvant clinical trials.
Newer therapies (aromatase inhibitors, capecitabine) show promise with potentially lower toxicity.
Cost-benefit analysis is crucial for new treatments in the elderly population.

Conclusions:

There is an urgent need for clinical trials in both adjuvant and metastatic settings for elderly breast cancer patients.
Transitioning from age-based to evidence-based medicine is critical for this group.
Optimizing treatment for elderly breast cancer patients requires considering quality of life and functional status.