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Radiation Oncology
Published in: Radiation Oncology 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research

Tolerability and outcomes of radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer in elderly patients aged 70 years and older

Authors: Xin Cai, Hongbin Wu, Junjie Peng, Ji Zhu, Sanjun Cai, Gang Cai, Zhen Zhang

Published in: Radiation Oncology | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Purpose

To assess the safety and outcomes of radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in elderly patients (≥70) with rectal cancer.

Methods

Elderly patients aged 70 and older with rectal cancer, who were treated with RT or CRT at a single institution, were retrospectively analyzed. Performance status (KPS and ECOG score) and comorbidity (Charlson comorbidity index) were calculated, and their correlation with treatment toxicity and overall survival were studied. Risk factors for overall survival were investigated using univariate and multivariate survival analysis.

Results

A total of 126 patients with locally advanced disease, local recurrence or synchronous metastasis were included, with a 3-year OS rate of 48.1%. Scheduled dosage of radiation was delivered to 69% of patients. Grade 3 toxicities occurred more often in patients treated with CRT versus RT. The occurrence of grade 3 toxicities was not related to KPS score, ECOG score, number of comorbidities, and Charlson score. Multivariate analysis found that only age and Charlson score were independent prognostic factors for predicting patients’ 3-year OS. The 3-year OS rate was significantly higher in patients with Charlson score <4 vs Charlson score ≥4 (71.1% vs. 26.4%, P=0.0003).

Conclusions

Although toxicities may be significant, elderly patients with rectal cancer of varied stages can be safely treated with RT or CRT with careful monitoring and frequent modification of treatment. Except for patients’ age, Charlson comorbidity index may be helpful in assessing patients’ outcomes in elderly patients with rectal cancer.
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Metadata
Title
Tolerability and outcomes of radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer in elderly patients aged 70 years and older
Authors
Xin Cai
Hongbin Wu
Junjie Peng
Ji Zhu
Sanjun Cai
Gang Cai
Zhen Zhang
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Radiation Oncology / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1748-717X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-717X-8-86

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