Non-stereotactic radiotherapy in older cancer patients
Silvana Parisi,
Sara Lillo,
Alberto Cacciola,
Gianluca Ferini,
Vito Valenti,
Anna Viola,
Anna Santacaterina,
Angelo Platania,
Anna Brogna,
Consuelo Tamburella,
Stefano Pergolizzi
Affiliations
Silvana Parisi
Radiation Oncology Unit – Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
Sara Lillo
Radiation Oncology Unit – Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
Alberto Cacciola
Radiation Oncology Unit – Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Corresponding author.
Gianluca Ferini
Radiation Oncology Unit – REM Radioterapia, Viagrande, Italy
Vito Valenti
Radiation Oncology Unit – REM Radioterapia, Viagrande, Italy
Anna Viola
Radiation Oncology Unit – REM Radioterapia, Viagrande, Italy
Anna Santacaterina
Radiation Oncology Unit – Papardo Hospital, Messina, Italy
Angelo Platania
Radiation Oncology Unit – Papardo Hospital, Messina, Italy
Anna Brogna
Medical Physics Unit, A.O.U. ''G. Martino'', Messina, Italy
Consuelo Tamburella
Radiation Oncology Unit – Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
Stefano Pergolizzi
Radiation Oncology Unit – Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
Old or very old oncological patients represent a heterogeneous and frail population due to concomitant comorbidities. Whether radiotherapy alone or in combination with novel cancer drugs may provide a clear benefit in this setting of patients is still a matter of debate.The aim of our review is to analyze the evaluation process and the different therapeutic possibilities in older cancer patients, focusing on the different and most disparate applications of radiotherapy. We reviewed the most recent literature on radiotherapy in older patients providing clinical evidence of treatment related toxicity, tolerance and outcomes using standard fractionated and/or hypofractionated irradiation alone or in combination with chemotherapy, targeted and immunotherapy.In older cancer patients unfit for systemic therapy or surgery, radiotherapy represents a valid therapeutic approach, both with curative and palliative intents, ensuring excellent patient compliance in terms of local toxicity and adherence to therapy.
