The role of radiotherapy in the management of elderly cancer patients in light of the GROG experience.
60-70% of all cancers will develop in individuals aged 65 and over during this century. Radiation therapy will play a major role in the treatment of cancer, especially in the elderly. The Italian Geriatric Oncology Group (GROG) in 1994 started a number of prospective studies to assess the characteristics of each elderly cancer patient referred to the radiotherapy centers (age, gender, performance status, comorbidity, ADL, family status) and the main features of the tumor in that patient. Based on the obtained results, the role of radiotherapy is underlined and future perspectives are identified.
Ausili-Cefaro
G
G
Divisione Radioterapia, Istituto di Radiologia, Università Cattolica S. Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Roma, Italy. gausili@rm.unicatt.it
Olmi
P
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019468:Disease Management; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards