Abstract
LEUKEMIA, in its different varieties, affects approximately 30 to 70 in 100,000 adults aged 65 and older. However, patients with acute leukemia are frequently excluded from clinical trials based only on their age. Although age is a poor prognostic factor, ample evidence demonstrates that treatment outcome can improve with adequate specific treatment and supportive care. The focus then should be on improving therapies for the elderly on the basis of differences in both the host and the disease compared to younger patients. Chronic leukemias are more frequently treated adequately in the elderly, probably as a consequence of better tolerated and more specific therapies. Therefore, as we identify more disease-specific therapies, elderly patients will benefit from appropriate disease management, while the frequently fatal side effects of chemotherapy in this population will be reduced.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 203-211 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Cancer Bulletin |
Volume | 47 |
Issue number | 3 |
State | Published - Jan 1 1995 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cancer Research