Radiotherapy and geriatric cancer patients: A single institute experience

Objectives: The aim of this study was to study patient, disease, and treatment related characteristics in geriatric patients 65 years and older treated by Radiotherapy (RT). Material and methods: A retrospective observational and descriptive study was conducted in a tertiary care gov- ernment institute with academic and research potential. The electronic medical records, medical documents, and Radiotherapy treatment charts were retrieved and studied. Results: 247 patients aged 65 years and older were included over 2-year study period. Mean age was 70.3 years and the oldest patient treated was of 94 years. 66% patients were males. 82 patients (33%) had metastatic disease. The common sites of origin were head and neck (28%), lung (23%), genitourinary (20%), and gastrointestinal malig- nancies (15%). 125 patients (51%) were having one or more co-morbidities. 135 patients (55%) were treated with radical intent. 66 patients (27%) received chemotherapy in concurrent setting. 89 patients (36%) were hospitalized for some duration of their RT course. In 58 patients (23%), RT was interrupted briefly. 46 patients (19%) could not complete the prescribed RT. 8 patients (3%) developed Grade 3 and 4 hematological toxicities. 57% patients developed Grade 2,3 mucocutaneous toxicities. 53% patients developed Grade 2,3 GI toxicities. Mortality rate while on treatment was 4%. Conclusion: Geriatric patients, though more prone to develop systemic and site-specific toxicities warranting supportive care in indoor or outdoor setting, can be offered Radiotherapy either alone or concurrently with che- motherapy. Such patients present with heterogeneous spectrum of entities often posing a therapeutic challenge to clinicians; but proper selection of cases and diligent supervision may allow these patients to be treated with Radiotherapy with radical or palliative intent as indicated.