OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and biologic characteristics, response to therapy and outcome of adult patients with ALL above and below the age of 55. DESIGN: Retrospective review of clinical and laboratory data. SETTING: University affiliated Cancer Center and Veteran's Hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty-three newly diagnosed, consecutive, adults with ALL seen over a nine-year period. RESULTS: while no differences were demonstrated in the distribution of recognized prognostic indicators (such as cytogenetic abnormalities or immunophenotype), individuals over the age of 55 had significantly lower remission rates and shorter survivals. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of elderly patients with ALL is very poor. This is primarily related to an increase in the number of early deaths during induction, as well as a higher prevalence of disease refractory to standard chemotherapy programmes. There is a need for new treatment protocols designed for the elderly ALL patient, as well as a better understanding of the unique biological characteristics of the disease in this age group.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Prognostic evaluation in geriatric oncology: problems and perspectives.

The optimal management of older patients with malignant diseases may be prevented by two antithetic conditions: inadequate treatment and excessive treatment. A likely root of this problem appears to be paucity of prognostic information, which may hamper management-related decisions in the older person with cancer. The prognostic value of performance status and nutritional status may fade with aging, while the influence of mental, emotional and socioeconomic status on the outcome of neoplastic diseases may become more prominent. The Comprehensive Geriatric Evaluation (CGE), which encompasses emotional mental and social domains in addition to physical health and function, may prove a valuable clue for the selection of those older patients who are suitable candidates for antineoplastic treatment.

Journal Article↗

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Carcinomatous meningitis in small cell lung cancer.

Carcinomatous meningitis was diagnosed in 13% of our patients with small cell lung cancer. Although half the patients with this complication responded to treatment, the medium survival from diagnosis was only six weeks. Asymmetric peripheral neuropathy and urinary retention are very specific signs of carcinomatous meningitis. Their recognition may prompt an earlier diagnosis and the institution of more effective treatment.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Evidence-based management of cancer in the elderly.

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Age Factors↗