Nationwide treatment patterns and survival of older patients with prostate cancer

To examine the clinical features, applied treatments, and survival of older patients with prostate cancer compared with younger patients.

All patients diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2005 and 2015 in the Netherlands were identified from the nationwide population-based Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR). Patient and tumour characteristics, as well as applied treatments, were described by age groups and prognostic risk groups. Relative survival rates were determined, including multivariable relative survival regression analyses. Additionally, to assess if age was associated with receiving curative treatment, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed.

In total, 48% of all patients were 70 years of age or older. Older patients had a higher prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, a higher Gleason score, as well as a higher disease stage at diagnosis. The 10-year relative survival decreased with increasing age, and after adjustment for disease stage, Gleason score, PSA level, and comorbidities, older patients had a worse survival rate. Older patients with intermediate- or high-risk disease appeared to be treated less often with curative intent compared with younger patients after adjustment for tumour stage, Gleason score, PSA level, and comorbidities. Older patients with intermediate/high risk prostate cancer treated with curative intent showed a 10-year relative survival rate similar to younger patients.

The survival of older patients was worse than younger patients. This might be due to suboptimal treatment, as older patients were less often treated with curative intent. Although the increased risk of treatment complications should be considered, age alone should not be a decisive factor when offering a treatment.