Chemotherapy in the elderly

Much of the increase in cancer incidence is explained by the increasing number of elderly in the population. Even at a relatively advanced age, many have a life expectancy in the range of, or longer than, the expected 5- or 10-year survival of the malignant disease diagnosed. There are some specific problems related to treatment with chemotherapy in this age group. There is a decline in organ function, especially renal and cardiac, as well as other limitations in relation to vision, hearing and mobility. This means that we have to adopt a different attitude both to indications for chemotherapy and to what agents to use. Social and socioeconomic factors also have to be taken into consideration.