Guidelines for the treatment of elderly cancer patients.

BACKGROUND The management of elderly patients with cancer is influenced by several factors that can vary widely among aging individuals. As the proportion of elderly individuals increases, the need for specific care guidelines for this population is critical. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has developed guidelines to address these factors when formulating optimal treatment regimens for elderly patients and to avoid significant toxicity and maintain their quality of life. METHODS Factors that influence the appropriate treatment choices for the elderly, such as functional status, comorbidity, polypharmacy, and the presence of anemia, are reviewed, and the guidelines developed by the NCCN for treatment elderly patients are discussed. RESULTS The guidelines address these factors when defining the goal of therapy and formulating individualized treatment approaches for the elderly to provide optimal care for these patients, avoid significant toxicity, and maintain their quality of life. CONCLUSIONS The goal of therapy must be clearly defined, whether survival, remission, cure, or palliation of symptoms. Enrollment of elderly cancer patients onto clinical trials is encouraged so the guidelines can be validated.