Surgery in the Older Patient with Breast Cancer. Curr Oncol Rep 2019 Jun 25;21(8):69
Date
06/27/2019Pubmed ID
31240413DOI
10.1007/s11912-019-0822-2Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85068001117 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 3 CitationsAbstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Breast cancer incidence and mortality increase with age. Older patients (≥ 70) are often excluded from studies. Due to multiple factors, it is unclear whether this population is best-treated using standard guidelines. Here, we review surgical management in older women with breast cancer.
RECENT FINDINGS: Geriatric assessments can guide treatment recommendations and aid in predicting survival and quality of life. Surgery remains a principal component of breast cancer treatment in older patients, though differences exist compared with younger women, including higher mastectomy rates and evidence-based support of omission of post-lumpectomy radiation or axillary dissection in subsets of patients. In those forgoing surgical management, there is increased use of endocrine therapy. Hospice is also a valuable element of end-of-life care. Physicians should utilize geriatric assessment to make treatment recommendations for older breast cancer patients, including omission of radiation therapy, alterations to standard surgeries, or enrollment in hospice care.
Author List
Frebault J, Bergom C, Kong ALAuthor
Amanda L. Kong MD, MS Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AgedAntineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
Breast Neoplasms
Female
Geriatric Assessment
Geriatrics
Hospice Care
Humans
Mastectomy
Medical Oncology