Geriatric correlates of experimental tumor biology.

Why are tumors more frequent in the elderly? Is there a difference in tumor aggressiveness with advancing age? Should treatment be different for the older patient? Experimental biologists have demonstrated that the process of cancer development takes time, and this may be the major explanation for the appearance of the disease late in life. In many tumor models in lower species, it is apparent that tumor growth and spread is less in older animals and this may also be demonstrable in certain human settings. Finally, tumors are not rendered more resistant to treatment by age. However, age is associated with slight reductions in certain organ functions, and these deficiencies might be magnified by comorbid conditions. Cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy, may, therefore, be more toxic in the older patient.