The Korean Journal of Medicine

The Korean Association of Internal Medicine (대한내과학회)
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Anti-Cancer Therapy of Advanced Lung Cancer in Elderly Patients

진행성 노인 폐암에 대한 항암요법

  • Min, Young Joo (Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine)
  • 민영주 (울산대학교 의과대학 울산대학교병원 혈액종양내과)
  • Published : 2014.11.01
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Abstract

Lung cancer is not only the most common cancer of the elderly but is also the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Korea. Therefore, the elderly form a large subgroup of patients with advanced lung cancer. Aging is associated with co-morbidities, poor performance status, and impaired organ function. These problems can cause uncertainty when selecting the optimal treatment for advanced lung cancer, and some elderly patients could be undertreated. Patients with non-squamous histology lung cancer, regardless of age or performance status, should be tested for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations; patients with EGFR mutations such as del 19 or L858R are able to receive EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The treatment options for elderly patients with lung cancer include best supportive care, single agent chemotherapy, platinum-based doublet chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. The optimum therapeutic option for elderly individuals with advanced lung cancer must be selected carefully, taking into account both the risks and benefits.

Keywords

References

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