Pattern of care and results of radiotherapy in patients 80 years old and over

Cancer incidence increases with age and several cancer types are observed in older patients, so the need for radiotherapy (RT) in treatment of older patients with cancer is also on the rise. This study's aims to evaluate retrospectively the pattern of care and the feasibility of RT in elderly patients (80 years old and over) treated with different intents, and the impact of RT prescription on survival.

We reviewed 191 patient charts from the years 2005-2007, recording age, intent of treatment, site, and type of RT. Crude and actuarial survival were estimated.

One hundred patients were males (M) and 91 females (F); 162 were seen on an outpatient basis, 29 as inpatients. A total of 138 patients were recruited for RT; 113 were treated, 112 completed RT. The ratio to all treated patients was 113/2125 (5.3%). Overall (treated and non-treated) cumulative survival probability was 71% for the first year, 45% for the second and 27% for the third. For treated patients, the cumulative survival probability was 67% for the first year, 43% for the second year and 23% for the third year, while for untreated patients it was 76% for the first year, 47% for the second year and 32% for the third year (Log-rank test: p = 0.23).

RT did not decrease survival in elderly patients.