There are only very few clinical data regarding radiotherapy (RT) in elderly patients. We present a retrospective study of all patients aged 80 years and older who underwent RT with external beam irradiation in our institution in the years 2020 and 2021. Overall, there were 163 patients treated with 196 courses of RT. The mean age was 84 years (range: 80–99 years). A total of 97 patients (59%) were male. The treatment intent was palliative in 41% and curative in 59%. The primary cancer diagnoses were: prostate 46, lung 18, breast 25, head and neck 10, gastrointestinal 8, hematologic 7, gynecologic 11, skin 18, genitourinary 9, unknown primary 5, central nervous system 6. The patients were able to complete the prescribed therapy in 153 of 196 courses (78%). Treatment breaks during RT were only required in 54 (33%) of Rt courses. RT can be safely administered to an elderly population with both curative and palliative intent with the expectation of completion in more than 80% of patients. The reasons for inability to complete RT as prescribed are multifactorial, but careful patient selection and attention to comorbidity may optimize the outcome.

Authors:
Oliver Micke, Franziskus Hospital Bielefeld, Germany

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Oliver Micke is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at Franziskus Hospital Bielefeld in Germany. His research interests are radiation oncology, complementary medicine, trace elements and electrolytes.

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Oliver-Micke

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