Management of elderly patients with lung cancer.

Cancer management in the older patient is a growing concern, particularly with the increasing geriatric population and the high incidence of cancer among these individuals. Incidence of lung cancer in particular is known to rise with age. This article reviews prognosis, treatment options, and decision-making issues for both clinician and patient with respect to both non-small-cell and small-cell lung cancer in this population. Research findings dealing with response rates, survival rates, and symptom control in this age group are reviewed for radiotherapy, surgery, and for various chemotherapy agents, including gemcitabine, the taxanes, vinorelbine, and the topoisomerase 1 inhibitors. Quality- of-life issues are also addressed.