[Internal medicine oncology in the aged]

Advanced age represents a restriction for the possibilities of internal oncology. A limited function of the organs, as well as the patient's lack of cooperation must be expected, thus complicating the control of the therapy. However, despite these aspects, advanced age alone is no reason for rejecting chemotherapy. If there is a chance for therapeutical success, it will last just as long as with young patients. Malignant disease in older patients allows a curative therapy only in exceptional cases. Therefore, a very accurate cost/benefit analysis should be carried out for each patient in cases of palliative treatment.