Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer in elderly patients.
OBJECTIVE
Elderly patients with head and neck cancer may not be treated aggressively with radiotherapy, due to concerns regarding tolerance of treatment and toxicity. A retrospective study was undertaken of patients aged 80 years and over, treated by definitive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.


METHODS
98 patients aged 80-92 received radiotherapy for carcinoma of the head and neck between 1991 and 1995. All patients received beam directed radiotherapy with radical intent using an immobilisation shell.


RESULTS
Cancer specific survival was 59% and overall local control was 70% at 5 years. Both were significantly affected by T stage and site of disease. Cancer specific survival was comparable to that of patients aged below 80 years. Seven patients died within 6 months of the treatment. Three patients developed severe late toxicity. Metastatic disease occurred in eight patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiotherapy is a beneficial and well tolerated treatment in elderly patients with carcinoma of the head and neck.
Department of Clinical Oncology, Christie Hospital, Oak Road, Withington, Manchester, UK.
Clare P
CP
Schofield
Andrew J
AJ
Sykes
Nicholas J
NJ
Slevin
Noor Z Z
NZ
Rashid
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000556:secondary; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011832:Radiation Injuries; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate