Small-cell lung cancer in elderly patients: the case for chemotherapy

We present a retrospective analysis of survival in 48 elderly (older than 65 years) and 70 young patients with small-cell lung cancer. Thirty-four elderly and 62 young patients had combination chemotherapy. Overall probability of survival with combination chemotherapy was similar for old and young patients (chi 2 = 0.79, d.f. = 1, p = 0.374). Peripheral neuropathy secondary to vincristine was more common with elderly patients. We believe that decisions about chemotherapy in elderly patients with small-cell lung cancer should be based on performance status, extent of disease and clinical condition rather than age.