Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer in Elderly Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Aparicio T, Desramé J, Lecomte T, Mitry E, Belloc J, Etienney I, Montembault S, Vayre L, Locher C, Ezenfis J, Artru P, Mabro M, Dominguez S
Primary Institution: Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, AP-HP, Paris, France
Hypothesis
Is oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-based chemotherapy effective and tolerable for elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer?
Conclusion
Oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-based chemotherapy is feasible and safe for elderly patients with manageable toxicity.
Supporting Evidence
- The median progression-free survival was 6.3 months.
- The median overall survival was 11.8 months.
- 42% of patients experienced severe toxicity.
- Tumor control was achieved in 67% of patients.
- 32% of patients with poor performance status showed improvement.
Takeaway
This study looked at how older people respond to certain cancer treatments, finding that they can handle the treatments well and it helps them live longer.
Methodology
Data were collected from 12 centers on patients over 74 years treated with oxaliplatin or irinotecan for advanced colorectal carcinoma.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may exist as patients with severe comorbidities were likely excluded.
Limitations
The study is observational and not randomized, which may affect the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
Patients were aged 75 years and older, with a median age of 78 years; 59% were male.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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