What has age got to do with it? Age and prognosis in metastatic colorectal cancer

This study investigated whether age affected disease progression or survival rates in patients with late stage colorectal cancer.

The average age at diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is 72 years. 28% of diagnoses are made in people aged over 80. Only 4.6% are made in those aged under 50.

Younger CRC patients tend to have greater levels of metastases (cancer spread to other areas of the body) at diagnosis than older patients. The reasons for this are unknown. In one study, younger patients (under 40) were shown to have shorter progression-free survival (time from treatment until disease progression) times than older patients (over 50). The identification of whether age affects survival is important for the development of treatment strategies. 

The authors collected the results of 24 clinical trials. The survival rates over 18 months were analyzed. Patients approximately 18 years of age showed a 19% increased risk of death than patients aged roughly 57 years. Patients around 90 years of age had a 42% increased risk. During the first year of follow-up, patients aged approximately 18 years had a 28% increased mortality risk than 57 year old patients. Patients aged approximately 90 had a 71% increased risk.

Patients aged approximately 61 years had the lowest risk of progression and the highest survival rate. In comparison to this group,  patients aged approximately 18 years had a 22% increased risk of progression or death. Patients aged 90 years approximately showed a 15% increased risk of progression or death. 

The authors concluded that young and old patients with metastatic CRC may be at a high risk of disease progression and lower survival rates. 

Consult your doctor if you are concerned about your CRC risk status.