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Management of elderly patients.
Alain Vergnenegre1, Romain Corre2, Hervé Lena2
1Service de Pathologie Respiratoire, CHU - Limoges, France ; ; Groupe Français de Pneumo - Cancerologie (GFPC), France ;
Translational Lung Cancer Research
|March 26, 2015
Summary
Elderly lung cancer patients need tailored trials and management. New indices incorporating age-related factors improve prognosis for this population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Oncology
- Clinical Trial Design
- Lung Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Over two-thirds of lung cancer patients are over 65, yet elderly individuals are frequently excluded from clinical trials.
- Management of elderly patients requires consideration of specific factors beyond age and performance status, including comorbidities and age-related changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the specific management needs of elderly lung cancer patients.
- To review existing and future clinical trials designed for this demographic.
- To highlight the importance of developing specific tools and trials for elderly patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of management specificities in elderly patients.
- Description of randomized trials involving elderly patients.
- Consideration of future developments in the field.
Main Results:
- Elderly patients present unique challenges, including comorbidities, cognitive deficits, and depression, necessitating specific assessment indices.
- While single-agent therapy was standard for metastatic lung cancer in the elderly, recent trials show promise for doublet therapy in select independent patients.
- Patient selection using combined indices has shown benefits in trials, with further confirmation needed in phase III trials involving targeted therapies.
Conclusions:
- Indices combining age-related factors and biological markers can enhance the prognosis for elderly lung cancer patients.
- Development of specific tools and clinical trials is crucial for improving outcomes in this underrepresented population.
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