Special considerations in the management of older adult patients with metastatic breast cancer.

A majority of new cancer cases occur in older adults (aged 65 years and older); however, older adult patients often are underrepresented in clinical trials. Because of this, sufficient evidence is lacking for the creation of treatment guidelines for older adult patients. Evidence has shown that many therapeutic agents are effective in both older and younger adult patients. Although efficacy outcomes may be similar, safety profiles may differ by age because of inherent differences in drug metabolism or other reasons. The underrepresentation of older adult patients in clinical trials is explored in this article, along with the current recommendations for treating older adult patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). In addition, current evidence from clinical trials and subanalyses of older adult patients with MBC are discussed. Finally, nursing considerations for the management of older adult patients with MBC are provided.