Radioemoblization is similarly effective in patients aged over or under 70

This study investigated whether age influenced the effectiveness and safety of radioembolization in patients with colorectal cancer which had spread to the liver. 

There is a lack of research on treatment options for elderly colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Elderly patients in the U.S. and Europe are 70-90% less likely to receive radiotherapy or chemotherapy than younger patients. Few studies have reported the effect of treatments in the elderly, therefore, the best treatment options are unclear.

One treatment for cancer that has spread to the liver is radioembolization. It involves the delivery of radioactive particles to cancer tumors through the bloodstream. The particles lodge in the tumor and emit radiation that kills the cancer cells. It is not clear whether this treatment is as effective in older patients as it is in younger patients.

This study investigated whether age influenced the effectiveness or safety of radioembolization in patients with CRC which had spread to the liver. The records of 160 patients aged over 70 (elderly patients) and 446 patients under 70 (younger patients) who underwent radioembolization were examined. 

Overall survival (time from treatment until death from any cause) was similar in both groups. Patients aged over 70 survived for an average of 9.3 months. The average survival of patients under 70 was 9.7 months. Overall survival in the very elderly (over age 75) was also 9.3 months.

There was no significant difference between the number of side effects reported by the two groups. However, patients aged over 70 were less likely to report gastrointestinal side effects than younger patients. The most common side effect was fatigue, reported by 5.6% of elderly patients and 4.5% of younger patients. Abdominal pain was reported by 3.1% of patients aged over 70 and 6.1% of patients aged under 70.

The authors concluded that age did not influence the safety or effectiveness of radioembolization. They suggested that radioembolization could be a useful treatment for patients over 70 years of age. 

This study was funded by Sirtex Medical, which produces the drug used for radioembolization.

Consult your doctor if you are concerned about whether your age is affecting your treatment options.