Retrospective study of radiotherapy for lung cancer in patients aged 75 years and over.

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy is widely used in the management of lung cancer but there are few data on its use in elderly patients.

METHODS

Retrospective review of case notes of all patients aged 75 years and over referred to a regional centre for radiotherapy with a diagnosis of lung cancer over 1 year.

RESULTS

Of 149 patients referred, full information was available on 144 (97%); age range 75-93 years (mean 79). Main referral sources were chest physicians [68 (44%)], general physicians [40 (28%)] and geriatricians [20 (14%)]; all patients were accepted for radiotherapy. One hundred and thirty-four (93%) had palliative treatment with most [129 (90%)] receiving 1-5 fractions over 1 week and 117 (81%) having treatment as an outpatient. Palliation appeared good for haemoptysis but less effective for the more common symptoms of dyspnoea and cough. Side effects were reported by 25 patients (18%) and were usually mild.

CONCLUSION

Radiotherapy for lung cancer in this selected group of elderly patients is well tolerated with responses similar to those in younger patients.