Treating Positive Axillary Disease in Elderly Breast Cancer Patients: The Impact of Age on Radiation Therapy |
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| Authors: | Chandler Scott Cortina Ashley A. Woodfin Laurel L. Tangalakis Xuanji Wang Jennifer D. Son Jennifer Poirier Ruta Rao Katherine Kopkash Andrea Madrigrano |
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| Affiliation: | aDepartment of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA;bRush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, USA;cDivision of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA;dDivision of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA |
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| Abstract: | IntroductionBreast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in females, and 30% of these patients are over the age of 70 years. Studies have shown deviation from the standard treatment paradigms in the elderly, especially in regard to radiation treatment.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review on 118 patients over the age of 70 years diagnosed with breast cancer and pathologically proven axillary disease over an 8-year period at an urban academic hospital to examine which patient factors influenced radiotherapy.ResultsIncreasing patient age was associated with a decrease in the probability of receiving radiotherapy, while HER2-negative patients were more likely to receive radiation. Neither race, number of coexisting medical conditions, or insurance status showed any influence on radiation treatment.ConclusionPatient age has a significant influence if elderly patients with axillary disease receive radiotherapy. Further investigation and validation are needed to understand why chronological age rather than biological age influences treatment modalities. |
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| Keywords: | Breast cancer Elderly Axilla Radiation therapy |
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