The outcome of combined-modality therapy for XXXX in the elderly.

@entity1 @entity137 @entity55 @entity5 @entity900 @entity1149 @entity2879
PURPOSE: The North Central @entity5 Treatment Group performed a phase III trial to determine whether chemotherapy plus either bid radiation therapy (RT) or daily (qd) RT resulted in a better outcome for @entity1 with @entity5 ( @entity1149 ). No difference in survival was identified between the two arms. This secondary analysis was performed to examine the relationship between @entity1 age and outcome. @entity1 AND METHODS: Two hundred forty-six @entity1 were randomized to receive @entity2879 plus @entity900 and either RT qd or split-course RT bid. This retrospective study compared the outcomes of @entity1 aged >/=70 years ("elderly @entity1 ") with those of younger individuals. Of the 244 assessable @entity1 , 63 (26%) were elderly, and 181 (74%) were younger individuals. RESULTS: The 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 39% and 18%, respectively, in @entity1 younger than 70 years, compared with 36% and 13%, respectively, in elderly @entity1 (P =.4). Grade 4+ @entity137 occurred in 62% of @entity1 younger than 70 years compared with 81% of elderly @entity1 (P =.007). Grade 4+ hematologic @entity137 occurred in 56% of @entity1 younger than 70 years, compared with 78% of elderly @entity1 (P =.003). Grade 4+ @entity55 occurred in 1% of those younger than 70 years, compared with 6% of elderly @entity1 (P =.02). CONCLUSION: @entity137 , especially myelosuppression and @entity55 , was more pronounced in the elderly @entity1 receiving combined-modality therapy for locally advanced @entity1149 . Despite increased @entity137 , elderly @entity1 have survival rates equivalent to younger individuals. Therefore, fit, elderly @entity1 with locally advanced @entity1149 should be encouraged to receive combined-modality therapy, preferably on clinical trials with cautious, judicious monitoring. Future studies should explore ways to decrease @entity137 of therapy in elderly @entity1 .
