Small-cell lung cancer in elderly patients: the case for chemotherapy.
We present a retrospective analysis of survival in 48 elderly (older than 65 years) and 70 young patients with small-cell lung cancer. Thirty-four elderly and 62 young patients had combination chemotherapy. Overall probability of survival with combination chemotherapy was similar for old and young patients (chi 2 = 0.79, d.f. = 1, p = 0.374). Peripheral neuropathy secondary to vincristine was more common with elderly patients. We believe that decisions about chemotherapy in elderly patients with small-cell lung cancer should be based on performance status, extent of disease and clinical condition rather than age.
Kelly
P
P
Peamount Hospital, Newcastle, Co. Dublin.
O'Brien
A A
AA
Daly
P
P
Clancy
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003609:Dactinomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005047:Etoposide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D014750:Vincristine / Q000008:administration & dosage
D003609:Dactinomycin; D014750:Vincristine; D005047:Etoposide; D004317:Doxorubicin; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D011241:Prednisone; D008727:Methotrexate