Clinical Oncology
Volume 21, Issue 2 , Pages 118-130, March 2009

Optimising Care of Elderly Breast Cancer Patients: a Challenging Priority

  • K. Tipples
    • ,
  • A. Robinson

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationAuthor for correspondence: A. Robinson, Oncology Department, Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex SS0 0RY, UK. Tel: +44-1702-435555; Fax: +44-1702-221039.

Oncology Department, Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, UK

Received 2 June 2008; received in revised form 24 October 2008; accepted 21 November 2008.

Abstract 

Elderly breast cancer patients comprise almost 50% of the breast cancer population. The unique needs of this population are discussed. Therapeutic challenges facing clinicians include the absence of the ideal method to assess these patients' fitness to receive therapy, to anticipate probable side-effects and to predict survival. In addition, there are few guidelines to assist decision-making, as historically clinical trials have excluded such individuals. Evidence for the use of chemotherapy, endocrine therapy and newer targeted therapies in the elderly is summarised. Special safety considerations in the elderly are highlighted and current practice and ongoing research are reviewed.

Key words: Breast cancer, chemotherapy, elderly, endocrine therapy

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PII: S0936-6555(08)00454-8

doi:10.1016/j.clon.2008.11.015

Clinical Oncology
Volume 21, Issue 2 , Pages 118-130, March 2009

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