Retrospective study of radiotherapy for lung cancer in patients aged 75 years and over

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy is widely used in the management of lung cancer but there are few data on its use in elderly patients. METHODS: Retrospective review of case notes of all patients aged 75 years and over referred to a regional centre for radiotherapy with a diagnosis of lung cancer over 1 year. RESULTS: Of 149 patients referred, full information was available on 144 (97%); age range 75-93 years (mean 79). Main referral sources were chest physicians [68 (44%)], general physicians [40 (28%)] and geriatricians [20 (14%)]; all patients were accepted for radiotherapy. One hundred and thirty-four (93%) had palliative treatment with most [129 (90%)] receiving 1-5 fractions over 1 week and 117 (81%) having treatment as an outpatient. Palliation appeared good for haemoptysis but less effective for the more common symptoms of dyspnoea and cough. Side effects were reported by 25 patients (18%) and were usually mild. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy for lung cancer in this selected group of elderly patients is well tolerated with responses similar to those in younger patients.