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Rectal Cancer Radiotherapy and Older Patients: Evidence-Based or Opinion-Based Treatment?

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Management of Colorectal Cancers in Older People

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Abstract

Colorectal cancer is the most common malignancy in patients aged 75 years or older, and the incidence is likely to rise further as the population ages and survival increases. Sound data on the adherence to guidelines for the elderly and the uptake of treatment in the elderly is limited. However, the evidence available suggests that clinical attitudes observed regarding age and cancer treatment are consistent, such that older people with colorectal cancer tend to be offered less intensive treatment or no treatment. So how do doctors balance chronological age, comorbidity and social isolation, and other influences on their clinical decision making?

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Oncology, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 2RN, UK

    Rob Glynne-Jones FRCP, FRCR

  2. Clinical Oncology, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Middlesex, HA6 2RN, UK

    Kannon Nathan MRCP, FRCR, B.Sc.

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  1. Rob Glynne-Jones FRCP, FRCR
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  2. Kannon Nathan MRCP, FRCR, B.Sc.
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Correspondence to Rob Glynne-Jones FRCP, FRCR .

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  1. Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre, Acropoleos Avenue, Nicosia, 2006, Cyprus

    Demetris Papamichael

  2. St Helens Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Marshalls Cross Road, St Helens, WA9 3DA, United Kingdom

    Riccardo A. Audisio

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Glynne-Jones, R., Nathan, K. (2013). Rectal Cancer Radiotherapy and Older Patients: Evidence-Based or Opinion-Based Treatment?. In: Papamichael, D., Audisio, R. (eds) Management of Colorectal Cancers in Older People. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-984-0_9

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