Radiotherapy in Main Cancer Sites in Elderly

Abstract

Introduction: malignant neoplasms are considered diseases of the elderly themselves; over 65 % of all malignant diseases occur in this group, which represents 12 % of the Cuban population. In Cuba, cancer is the second cause of death in the population over 60 years.

Objectives: to evaluate the radiation response in patients who were treated during the years 2008 and 2009.

Method: a retrospective study was performed in 308 elderly patients carriers of the five most common sites of cancer, attended at Radiotherapy Oncology Center of Holguin.

Results: the age group between 70 and 79 years (70.1 %) was the most affected one, with male predominance in 56.4 %. The most common tumor location in man was in the lung and breast in women with 31 % and 31.4 % respectively; 62.3 % of patiens were diagnosed in stages III and IV. The level of response to radiation treatment regardless of tumor location was good or fair in 71.4 %.

Conclusions: radiotherapy is considered an effective therapeutic alternative in elderly patients with cancer. An action plan for radiotherapy in the elderly was elaborated and was   consulted with Specialists of Oncology Center.

Keywords: neoplasms, carcinogenic, radiotherapy, cancer, elderly.