CHAPTER 2 Radiotherapy in Geriatric Head and Neck Cancer Patients Gülhan GÜLER AVCI, Evrim METCALFE

Metcalfe E.

in: Radiotherapy and Current Developments in Geriatric Cancers, Evrim Metcalfe, Editor, Turkiye Klinikleri, Ankara, pp.9-14, 2024

  • Publication Type: Book Chapter / Chapter Vocational Book
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Publisher: Turkiye Klinikleri
  • City: Ankara
  • Page Numbers: pp.9-14
  • Editors: Evrim Metcalfe, Editor
  • Istanbul Medipol University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract


Radiotherapy in Geriatric Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Gülhan GÜLER AVCIa , Evrim METCALFEb
aTokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Tokat, Türkiye
bİstanbul Medipol University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, İstanbul, Türkiye

ABSTRACT

Treatment of elderly and frail head and neck cancer patients warrant special consideration of patient requests, life expectancy, acceptable morbidity, comorbidities, functional status, and nutrition. An assessment of the patient’s fitness and frailty beyond chronological age is extremely important in the treatment decision. We can make this evaluation by incorporating comprehensive geriatric examination and G8 tests into our daily practice. In current studies on head and neck cancer patients, over the age of 70 is the exclusion criteria, however, more guiding studies with the elderly patients are needed in order to obtain a consensus on the treatment of elderly and fragile patients. In this section, current approaches and developments in radiotherapy of geriatric head and neck cancer patients are presented in the light of the literature.

Keywords: Head and neck neoplasms; geriatrics; radiotherapy