Cancer in the Elderly: Treatment and Research

Author: Ian S. Fentiman
Published: January 1995
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0192622005
Hardcover Book
Number of Pages: 173

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Age is the most important known risk factor for malignancy and therefore as longevity increases cancer is becoming an ever worsening problem. Approximately one half of the common cancers occur in aged patients. However, paradoxically they are often excluded from clinical trials on grounds of 'frailty'. This book considers the relation between ageing and malignancy and brings together a breadth of international clinical research on cancer in the elderly. The management of common tumours is examined from the perspective of surgery, radiotherapy, and medical oncology. Additionally, the psychosocial problems of the elderly and the specific need for palliative care in older patients are discussed. Cancer in the elderly makes some recommendations for optimal treatment. Also, the authors have identified areas where knowledge is scarce and there is a need for both basic and applied research. This interesting new book consists of a review of literature pertinent to the oncologic care of the aged. The book incorporates contributions from a variety of European authorities. "The purpose is to bring to the attention of its readers the special issues to be addressed when treating cancer in the elderly. Drs. Fentiman and Monfardini's book encompasses the most common malignancies of this age group. Several other topics relating to social and supportive care as well as other special needs of this population are addressed. "Intended primarily for practicing oncologists and geriatricians, the book would be very useful to fellows in oncology and geriatrics as well as to primary care physicians. Though intended for an American audience, the contributors come from a variety of well-respected European institutions. "The book includes many helpful tables. The references are numerous and pertinent, although somewhat outdated. The chapters are well organized, each concluding with a section entitled Key Points that concisely summarizes the chapter's main issues. "This is an enlightening book for all health professionals who care for older patients. It is a good primary book and reference book. It addresses a topic that is frequently neglected and brings together previous experience and research with the clinical practice of treating cancer in the elderly. Fentiman, Ian S. (Guy's Hospital, London); Monfardini, Silvio (Instituto Nazionale di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere)The contributors represent the specialties of hematology-oncology, clinical psychology, and urology. Most are from France, Italy, Belgium, the U.K., and the Netherlands. Institutions prominently represented include the Netherlands Cancer Institute and Centre Antoine-Lacassagne.

Table of Contents
List of contributors
1 Age-related mechanisms of susceptibility to cancer 1
2 Psychosocial issues 11
3 Radiotherapy 28
4 Reducing the toxicity of cancer chemotherapy 38
5 Chemotherapy for patients aged over 80 53
6 Breast cancer: principles of management 61
7 Prostate cancer 79
8 Bladder cancer 103
9 Colorectal cancer 110
10 Ovarian cancer 118
11 Acute myelogenous leukaemia 124
12 Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma 144
13 Palliative and terminal care 152
Index 169

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