Surgery for colorectal cancer in elderly patients: how can we improve outcome?

Patients over 70 years of age are characterised by diminished long-term survival rates following resection of colorectal cancer (CRC) compared to younger patients. The aim of this study was to clarify whether reduced survival is a result of malignancy, comorbidities or the treatment received.

All patients with CRC, who were admitted to our institution over a period of 10 years, were selected from a prospectively maintained database. Disease-specific, disease-free and overall survival rates were calculated dependent on variables considered potentially relevant for the patients' prognosis.

915 patients were included in the study. Observed 5- and 10-year survival rates for the whole group were 48 ± 2% and 40 ± 2%, respectively, but 10-year survival rates dropped to 14 ± 4% for patients aged 80 and older. Resection of the primary tumour was attempted in all cases independent of age. Emergency admission, Charlson index ≥2, ECOG ≥2, old age, second malignancies, distant metastases, high grading and non-resective surgery were identified as independent prognostic parameters associated with decreased overall survival. In contrast, disease-specific and disease-free survival rates for patients after elective radical resection in UICC-stage I-III did not show significant differences related to age. Tumour site, UICC-stage and resection status were independent statistically significant predictors of disease-specific survival.

Similar disease-specific survival rates in all age groups speak in favour of tumour resection in curative intent even in old patients. Better outcome may be achieved, if regular screening for colorectal cancer is considered even in the elderly to avoid late presentation requiring emergency surgery.