Radiotherapy and geriatric cancer patients: A single institute experience
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Date
2019-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Scientific Scholar
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to study patient, disease, and treatment related characteristics in geriatric patients 65 years and older treated by Radiotherapy (RT).MATERIAL AND METHODS:A retrospective observational and descriptive study was conducted in a tertiary care gov- ernment institute with academic and research potential. The electronic medical records, medical documents, and Radiotherapy treatment charts were retrieved and studied.RESULTS:247 patients aged 65 years and older were included over 2-year study period. Mean age was 70.3 years and the oldest patient treated was of 94 years. 66% patients were males. 82 patients (33%) had metastatic disease. The common sites of origin were head and neck (28%), lung (23%), genitourinary (20%), and gastrointestinal malig- nancies (15%). 125 patients (51%) were having one or more co-morbidities. 135 patients (55%) were treated with radical intent. 66 patients (27%) received chemotherapy in concurrent setting. 89 patients (36%) were hospitalized for some duration of their RT course. In 58 patients (23%), RT was interrupted briefly. 46 patients (19%) could not complete the prescribed RT. 8 patients (3%) developed Grade 3 and 4 hematological toxicities. 57% patients developed Grade 2,3 mucocutaneous toxicities. 53% patients developed Grade 2,3 GI toxicities. Mortality rate while on treatment was 4%.CONCLUSION:Geriatric patients, though more prone to develop systemic and site-specific toxicities warranting supportive care in indoor or outdoor setting, can be offered Radiotherapy either alone or concurrently with che- motherapy. Such patients present with heterogeneous spectrum of entities often posing a therapeutic challenge to clinicians; but proper selection of cases and diligent supervision may allow these patients to be treated with Radiotherapy with radical or palliative intent as indicated.
Description
Keywords
Radiotherapy, Cancer, Geriatric, Symptomatic care, Toxicities, Medical comorbidities
Citation
Suhag Virender, BS Sunita, Vats Pankaj, Singh Shalendra, Jain Mayuri, Vashisht R. Radiotherapy and geriatric cancer patients: A single institute experience. Indian Journal of Medical Sciences. 2019 Jan; 71(1): 28-34