Radiation therapy for lung cancer in elderly

Abstract

Elderly cancer patients with non-small and small cell lung cancer are altogether underrepresented nearly in all benchmark clinical trials; however, the embodiment of elderly patients in clinical studies should be emphatically encouraged to construct a proof-based optimal treatment of this specific age group. As most retrospective studies reveal similar oncologic results in elderly lung cancer patients compared to younger counterparts when treated with stage-specific recommendations, concerted efforts to accurately identify qualified patients to be prescribed standard treatments should be motivated. Therefore, we counsel a baseline and continuing guidance of geriatric assessment to promote individualized care, support, and tailored treatment protocols to avoid under- and overtreatments in elderly lung cancer patients.