External radiotherapy for breast cancer in the elderly

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy amongst elderly women and the main cause of mortality. A specific management for elderly woman is not clear because clinical trials are usually not customized for this subset of patients.

Aims: The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the available information on the main issues in the field of breast cancer radiotherapy in the elderly population.

Materials and methods: Authors discuss on different radiation treatments for breast cancer in the elderly, based on the data of the literature with a focus on new strategy: hypo-fractionation, accelerated partial breast irradiation, and the utility of a dose boost.

Discussion: The treatment of breast cancer is not standardized in the elderly. The optimal management in this population often requires complex multidisciplinary supportive care due to multiple comorbidities to optimize their cancer care.

Conclusions: New options such as APBI or HyRT regimens should be taken into consideration and offered as a breach of duty to the elderly population. Furthermore, they should be extensively investigated through randomized clinical trials.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Elderly; External radiation therapy; Local recurrence; Survival.