Optimal management of localized rectal cancer in older patients

Krzysztof Bujko, Rob Glynne-Jones*, Demetris Papamichael, Harm J. T. Rutten

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

In advising the optimal management for older patients, health care professionals try to balance the risks from frailty, vulnerability, and comorbidity against the patient's ultimate prognosis, potential functional outcomes and quality of life (QOL). At the same time it is important to involve the patient and incorporate their preferences. But how can we present and balance the potential downside of radical radiotherapy and risks of unsalvageable recurrence against the potential risks of postoperative morbidity and mortality associated with radical surgery? There are currently no nationally approved and evidence-based guidelines available to ensure consistency in discussions with older adults or frail and vulnerable patients. In this overview we hope to provide an insightful discussion of the relevant issues and options currently available. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)696-704
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Geriatric Oncology
Volume9
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2018

Keywords

  • Rectal cancer
  • Chemoradiation
  • Radiotherapy
  • Brachytherapy
  • Non-operative management
  • Older adults
  • TOTAL MESORECTAL EXCISION
  • COMPLETE CLINICAL-RESPONSE
  • SHORT-COURSE RADIOTHERAPY
  • RANDOMIZED PHASE-III
  • TRANSANAL ENDOSCOPIC MICROSURGERY
  • EXTERNAL-BEAM RADIOTHERAPY
  • QUALITY-OF-LIFE
  • PREOPERATIVE RADIOTHERAPY
  • ELDERLY-PATIENTS
  • ADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY

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