The treatment of elderly patients with colorectal cancer: A step towards personalised management

Stijn Henricus Johannes Ketelaers

Research output: Thesis › Doctoral Thesis › External prepared

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Abstract

Each year, colorectal cancer is accounting for about 12.000-14.000 new diagnoses. More than half of patients is aged 70 years or older. The treatment of colorectal cancer mostly consists of surgical resection of the tumour. In some cases, neo-adjuvant (i.e. before surgery) radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy is required. Developments in the treatment of colorectal cancer have significantly improved outcomes in the elderly. As a result, most elderly patients can safely undergo optimal treatment. However, within the elderly population, there is a wide variety in health status, preferences and treatment goals. Therefore, extra attention is needed to tailor treatment. In this thesis, the current treatment outcomes of elderly colorectal cancer patients are evaluated. In addition, this thesis investigated how the treatment of elderly patients could be optimised, by improving patient selection and peri-operative care and by exploring alternative treatment options if surgery is not possible or preferred.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution
  • Maastricht University
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Rutten, Harm, Supervisor
  • Burger, J. W. A., Co-Supervisor, External person
  • Bloemen, J.G., Co-Supervisor, External person
  • Orsini, Ricardo, Co-Supervisor
Award date5 Jul 2023
Place of PublicationMaastricht
Publisher
Print ISBNs9789464831504
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Keywords

  • colorectal cancer
  • elderly
  • personalised treatment

Access to Document

  • Full TextFinal published version, 6.18 MB
  • CoverFinal published version, 446 KB
  • SummaryFinal published version, 1.68 MB
  • PropositionsFinal published version, 530 KB
  • ImpactFinal published version, 1.67 MB

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