Management of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Elderly Patients.

ABSTRACT: Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is one of the most difficult cancers in the head and neck region due to the complex geometry of the tumour and the surrounding critical organs. High-dose radical radiotherapy with or without concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy is the primary treatment modality. Around 10%-15% of NPC patients have their diagnosis at age after 70. The management of NPC in elderly patients is particularly challenging as they encompass a broad range of patient phenotypes and are often prone to treatment-related toxicities. Chronologic age alone is insufficient to decide on the management plan. Comprehensive geriatric assessment with evaluation on patients' functional status, mental condition, estimated life expectancy, comorbidities, risks and benefits of the treatment, patients'

SUBMITTER: Chan WL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8844547 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature