[Chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer in elderly patients]

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2011 Oct;38(10):1591-4.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Since elderly people have decreased renal function along with increased risks for complications of cardiac disorders such as hypertension and decreased physical strength, compared to in younger people, drug therapy for them is associated more with concern about drug-related toxicity. Therefore, dose reduction or discontinuation of drug administration is sometimes considered during earlier stages of therapy. On the other hand, there are some reports suggesting that as long as proper organ function is maintained, the elderly can be treated in the same way as younger people. However, given limited information and depending on the therapeutic goal of each patient, it should be carefully considered whether the same medicinal strategy used for younger patients is appropriate for treating elderly patients or not.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents