Chemotherapy in elderly patients with gynecological cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the tolerability, safety and feasibility of chemotherapy in very elderly patients with gynecological cancers.

METHODS

We included all patients ≥ 75 years of age affected by endometrial, ovarian or cervical cancer treated with neoadjuvant, adjuvant or palliative chemotherapy. Data regarding age, stage of the disease, comorbidities, performance status (PS), chemotherapy regimen and dosing, toxicity, treatment delay and dose adjustments were recorded.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients were included in the study. Their median age was 77.5 years. The vast majority of patients (89.8%) presented with advanced neoplastic disease. Twenty-nine of the 49 patients were treated with full-dose chemotherapy; 41% were subjected to the weekly dose. One toxic death was recorded; grade 2 anemia was reported in 8 patients, and grade 2 and 3 neutropenia was recorded in 2 and 3 patients, respectively. Sixty-one percent of the patients completed the planned treatment.

CONCLUSION

Chemotherapy in very elderly patients is feasible with an acceptable toxicity profile. Careful evaluation of PS and assessment of physical and psychological health are necessary to predict tolerability of chemotherapy. A weekly schedule is better tolerated in this setting.