The management of cancer in the elderly

The treatment of elderly patients with cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach if optimal locoregional control of disease and survival are to be achieved. Wherever possible, the surgical, radiotherapeutic and chemotherap eutic regimens given to elderly patients with cancer should be comparable w ith those currently used for the treatment of younger patients with cancer. However, the morbidity (physical and psychological) of therapy must be eva luated against the likely benefits to ensure that elderly patients with can cer receive both optimal management and quality of life.