TRATTAMENTO DEL CARCINOMA RENALE NEL PAZIENTE ANZIANO
P. Sepe, G. Procopio
Vol.3 (2018), issue 1, pag.35-43
| Received | 19/02/2018 |
| Accepted for pubblication | 23/03/2018 |
| Published | Mar. 2018 |
| Review by | Single-blind |
ABSTRACT
In the last two decades the incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is
growing and that is at least partially related to the constant aging of the population. RCC is more frequently observed in the elderly population. In fact, more than 50% of patients at the time of diagnosis are over 65 years. The elderly need to be considered a specific population, often characterized by the presence of comorbidities, different compliance to treatment and polypharmacy, which involve an increased susceptibility to develop adverse effects due to pharmacologic interaction. It is often required a dose reduction or a treatment discontinuation and that could influence the efficacy of an anticancer therapy. Therefore, it is important to have a correct multidisciplinary framework, which globally evaluates the
patient, and let a balance between risks and benefits related to treatment.
With this review we analyse the safety and the efficacy of target therapies (TTs) in this specific group of elderly people. The efficacy of TTs is comparable in both older and young people but elderly patients show reduced tolerance and greater risk of adverse events. Currently more prospective trials and clinical practice are needed to better manage RCC in this setting of patients.