Redefining the role of pulsed-dose-rate brachytherapy in cervical cancer treatment using a preplanned approach

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to determine predictive factors for cervical cancer patients who would benefit more from high-dose-rate (HDR) or pulsed-dose-rate (PDR) brachytherapy.

METHODS

The sample included 50 patients treated with brachytherapy following external radiochemotherapy. PDR plans were compared to HDR preplans, with a focus on patients who may benefit from PDR using preplan metrics and clinical variables. The expected clinical effect was quantified using a tumor control probability model.

RESULTS

Results showed PDR plans with 60 pulses to be optimal for achieving target clinical goals for D90CTVHR. A CTVHR volume of >67.5cc and/or D90CTVHR dose on the HDR preplan of <31.1 Gy was the strongest indicator for patient selection who would gain >3% increase in TCP with PDR. The process showed 96% accuracy, 88% sensitivity, and 98% specificity. Only 16% of patients showed a relevant benefit from PDR over HDR, with a mean D90CTVHR of 7 Gy higher and a mean TCP at 3 years of 4.8% higher for PDR. The benefit of PDR is highly influenced by the choice of alpha/beta ratio and repair halftime.

CONCLUSION

A small subset of cervical cancer patients may gain from PDR over HDR. CTVHR volume and preplan D90CTVHR doses may be useful in selecting patients for PDR brachytherapy.

A novel lung SBRT treatment planning: Inverse VMAT plan with leaf motion limitation to ensure the irradiation reproducibility of a moving target

This study exposed the implementation of a novel technique (VMATLSL) for the planning of moving targets in lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). This new technique has been compared to static conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and dynamic conformal arc (DCA). The rationale of this study was to lower geometric complexity (54.9% lower than full VMAT) and hence ensure the reproducibility of the treatment delivery by reducing the risk for interplay errors induced by respiratory motion. Dosimetry metrics were studied with a cohort of 30 patients. Our results showed that leaf speed limitation provided conformal number (CN) close to the VMAT (median CN of VMATLSL is 0.78 vs 0.82 for full VMAT) and was a significant improvement on 3D-CRT and DCA with segment-weight optimized (respectively 0.55 and 0.57). This novel technique is an alternative to VMAT or DCA for lung SBRT treatments, combining independence from the patient's breathing pattern, from the size and amplitude of the lesion, free from interplay effect, and with dosimetry metrics close to the best that could be achieved with full VMAT.

Brachytherapy boost in anal canal cancer - A GEC ESTRO PDR task force meta-analysis

Purpose

A meta-analysis is presented comparing clinical outcomes and toxicities between high dose rate (HDR) and pulsed dose rate (PDR) brachytherapy (BT) for anal cancer.

Methods and material

Retrospective or prospective clinical trials were identified on electronical databases. Data were collected per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-Analyses guidelines. Pooled effect size for HDR and PDR BT were compared using subgroup analyses.

Results

Nine retrospective studies with a total of 481 patients treated were included of which 219 with HDR and 262 with PDR. Significant differences were observed between the two groups for baseline characteristics and treatment. The cumulative proportion of stage T3-T4 was lower in the HDR group, 0.15 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.07-0.29] vs 0.27 [95 %CI 0.09-0.57] in the LDR group, p < 0.001. Lower BT doses (in equivalent 2-Gy fraction dose) were given for patients in the HDR group, 11.9 Gy [95 %CI 8.2-15.5] vs 19.5 Gy [95 %CI 15.0-24.0] in the PDR group, p < 0.001. No significant differences were found for clinical outcomes or toxicities. The pooled effect size of the overall survival at 5 years for HDR and PDR was respectively 0.82 [95 %CI 0.70-0.94] and 0.82 [95 %CI 0.73-0.91], p > 0.99. The 5 years local control was 0.86 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.81-0.91] and 0.83 [95 %CI 0.77-0.89], p = 0.62. Cumulative toxicity-related colostomy proportion was 0.04 [95 %CI 0.02-0.09] and 0.03 [95 %CI 0.02-0.07], p = 0.85.

Conclusion

Both modalities provided a good profile of tolerance and are effective organ conservative strategies for patients with anal canal cancer. In parallel with ongoing developments to better determine the optimal fractionation and dose for HDR-BT treatments, especially in large tumors, PDR BT still has a crucial role for dose escalation strategy in advanced cases.

[Start of activity with the MRIdian® system: The first 200 patients treated at the Institut Paoli-Calmettes]

INTRODUCTION

Several centers have recently been equipped with MRI-guided radiotherapy systems, including the Paoli-Calmettes Institute which was the first French center to start this activity. We report in this article our early experience.

METHODS

Data related to patients treated on the MRIdian® (Viewray®) were prospectively collected. Procedures concerning the implementation of the system and internal organizational issues were summarized.

RESULTS

Between February 2019 and March 2020, 201 patients were treated: 40% of treatments were normofractionated (n=70) and 60% used hypofractionation (n=105). The reported monthly occupancy rate at one, six and twelve months was 30%, 62%, and 90%. The distribution of normofractionated treatments was dominated by prostatic (29%) and pancreatic (26%) cancers, followed by abdomino-pelvic irradiations for gynecological cancers (12%) or lymph node diseases (12%) and boosts for rectal or vaginal cancers (11%). Regarding treatments with moderate hypofractionation (dose by fraction between 3 and 5Gy), they corresponded mainly to integrated boost for abdomino-pelvic lymph nodes (38%), while the stereotaxic treatments primarily concerned hepatic lesions (15%), bones (30%).

DISCUSSION

The MRIdian® was initially used widely in our service corresponding to a learning curve for MRI guidance. This new tool for image-guided radiotherapy helped us to secure our practice providing solutions for both inter and intra-fraction movements making it possible to reduce the additional margin in order to better protect the organs at risk. The main technical difference with conventional accelerators is the possibility of performing adaptive radiotherapy in real time, the start of which was more gradual.

Reducing dose to rectum by placement of a rectum-emptying tube in cervical cancer patients treated with brachytherapy

PURPOSE

Only scarce data are available on the possibility to reduce rectal dose by controlling rectum filling before HDR (high dose rate) IGABT (image-guided adaptive brachytherapy) in LACC (locally advanced cervical carcinoma) patients. We compared dosimetric outcomes before and after the evacuation of gasses using a rectum emptying tube.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

Sixty CT (computed tomography) scans from 30 consecutive patients with cancer of the cervix undergoing HDR IGABT after EBRT were reviewed. Patients who underwent at least one gas evacuation were included in the analysis. The three-dimensional dosimetric data of the dosimetric plan performed before and after gas evacuation were compared. Primary endpoint was the difference between D2cc of the rectum before and after the procedure. Expected probability of grade 2-4 overall rectum morbidity was assessed using a probit model from the prospective multicenter EMBRACE study.

RESULTS

Thirty five (58.3%) CT scans from 23 patients (76.7%) requiring gas evacuation were analysed. The mean rectum volume, before and after gas evacuation, was 123.1 cc (sd, ± 60.4) and 66.4 cc (sd, ± 34.8), respectively. For each patient, the volume of the rectum after gas evacuation was lower than before. No major complication occurred during and after the procedure. After gas evacuation, a significant reduction in rectal dose per fraction was observed, on average -4.3 Gy (-38.4%, p < 0.001) for D0.1cc and -1.9 Gy (-30.6%, p < 0.001) for D2cc. Estimated mean probability to develop a grade 2-4 rectum morbidity was significantly lower after gas evacuation, 6.9% (sd,± 1.94) versus 9.5% (sd,± 3.17), p < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

Gas evacuation using a rectal emptying tube in selected LACC patients treated with HDR BT after chemoradiotherapy, allowed a substantial reduction in the dose to the rectum. Such procedure could be of particular interest when a dose escalation strategy is being considered.

Quality of Life During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer in a West African Population in Dakar, Senegal: A Prospective Study

PURPOSE

The prevalence of breast cancer is increasing in low- to middle-income countries such as Senegal. Our prospective study assessed the quality of life (QoL) of patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy in Senegal.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our study included women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy as initial treatment at the Center Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital in Dakar. Clinical, sociodemographic, and QoL data were collected and analyzed at three different times: baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after the start of systemic therapy. Health-related QoL was assessed using a Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapies-Breast (FACT-B) questionnaire after translation into the Wolof language. Linear mixed-effects models were performed to assess the changes in QoL scores.

RESULTS

Between July 2017 and February 2018, 120 patients were included in the study. Their median age was 45 years. Most patients (n = 105; 92%) had locally advanced disease (T3 to T4 stage) and lymph node involvement (n = 103; 88%), and half had metastatic disease. The FACT-B total scores significantly improved over time (β = 1.58; 95% CI, 0.50 to 2.67; P < .01). Nausea and vomiting were significantly associated with a decrease in FACT-B total scores (β = −16.89, 95% CI, −29.58 to −4.24, P = .012; and β = −13.44, 95% CI, −25.15 to −1.72, P = .028, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our study confirmed the feasibility of standardized QoL assessment in Senegalese patients with breast cancer. Our results indicated a potential improvement of QoL over the course of chemotherapy. Optimizing nausea and vomiting prevention may improve QoL.

Esophageal brachytherapy: Institut Gustave Roussy's experience

PURPOSE

Esophageal cancer is characterized by its propension to local evolution, which conditions prognosis and quality of life. Brachytherapy may be a therapeutic option for all stages of esophageal cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This retrospective unicentric study included all consecutive patients treated for an esophageal high-dose-rate brachytherapy in our institution from 1992 to 2018.

RESULTS

Ninety patients were included. They were treated in four distinct indications: exclusive (7 patients), boost after external beam radiotherapy (41), reirradiation (36), or palliative aim (6). Most frequently prescribed schemes were 3 × 5 Gy (boost) or 6 × 5 Gy (exclusive treatment and reirradiation) at applicator's surface or at 5 mm. At the end of follow-up, 50% of patients had presented with local recurrence. Seventeen percent of patients had a metastatic relapse. Median overall survival was 15 months in the whole cohort: 22 months in the boost setting, 25 months for exclusive brachytherapy, 15 months for reirradiation, and only 2 months for palliative treatment. Tumor length at brachytherapy, brachytherapy dose, and interfraction response were significantly associated to overall survival. 40% of patients presented with grade 2+ toxicity, mostly esophagitis, including three toxic deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Although local control outcomes are still poor, one must remember that patients are unfit for any curative therapeutic option and that palliative chemotherapy offers mediocre results. The most promising setting probably is reirradiation because brachytherapy offers a remarkable dose gradient allowing best organ at risk sparing, with an encouraging rate of long survivors (19% at 2 years). Esophageal brachytherapy deserves to be further investigated because some patients, even unfit, may benefit from it, with acceptable toxicity.

Comprehensive analysis of patient outcome after local recurrence of locally advanced cervical cancer treated with concomitant chemoradiation and image-guided adaptive brachytherapy

INTRODUCTION

Since dose escalation allowed by image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC), local relapses have become a rare event. Only scarce data are available on the outcome of patients experiencing a local relapse after IGABT.

METHODS

Between 2004 and 2016, all consecutive patients treated at Gustave Roussy Institute for LACC and receiving concomitant chemoradiation and IGABT were analysed. Clinical and treatment-related prognostic factors for survival after local relapse were searched, in order to potentially identify patients requiring salvage treatment.

RESULTS

Two hundred and fifty-nine patients were treated during this period. With a median follow-up of 4.1 years, 10.8% (n = 28) had a local relapse. Among these patients, 53.6% had synchronous lymph nodes or distant metastatic relapse and only 13 patients (5% of all patients) had isolated local relapse. After local relapse, median survival was 47 months and three patients were alive at last follow-up. Only three patients with local relapse could receive salvage surgery (10.7%). Metastases occurrence and pelvic wall involvement were the main contraindications (67.9%) for salvage surgery. Among the three patients treated with surgery, two are still alive at last follow-up without significant complication. Improved survival was observed among the two patients who could have surgery (p = .02). Local progression led to serious symptoms in 75% of patients. Only the time interval between brachytherapy and relapse (<1 year) was prognostic for 2-year overall survival (p = .005).

CONCLUSION

Salvage surgery is feasible in a very low number of highly selected patients with local relapse following IGABT. Local failure is a major cause of severe local symptoms, confirming that every effort should be done to achieve long-term local control through dose escalation.

[Oligometastases and oligoprogressions: Concepts and natural history]

The oligometastatic paradigm refers to an intermediate biologic state of cancer with restricted metastatic capacity. Its phenotype is characterized by a limited number of metastases and a slow tumor growth. Various clinical and pre-clinical studies associated this state to alterations of the biological mechanisms involved in metastatic diffusion. Eventually, this transitional state leads to a wide metastatic dissemination. However, there is a period during which the patient could benefit from local ablative treatment. Depending on several prognostic factors and the treatment provided, long survival or even healing can sometimes be achieved. The selection of patients eligible for such a curative strategy may be adapted following clinical, radiological or biological markers. Recent improvement of therapeutic and imaging are changing the clinical definition of oligometastatic cancer, which should be adapted to evidence from recent clinical and preclinical data.

Multivariate normal tissue complication probability modeling of vaginal late toxicity after brachytherapy for cervical cancer

PURPOSE

To explore the best variables combination for a predictive model of vaginal toxicity in cervical cancer patients undergoing brachytherapy (BT).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Clinical and 3-dimensional dosimetric parameters were retrospectively extracted from an institutional database of consecutive patients undergoing intracavitary BT after external beam radiation therapy from 2006 to 2013 for a cervical cancer. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator selection procedure in Cox's proportional hazards regression model was performed to select a set of relevant predictors for a multivariate normal tissue complication probability model of Grade ≥2 vaginal late toxicity. Outcomes reliability was internally assessed by bootstrap resampling method.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-nine women were included in the present study with a median followup time of 3.8 years (interquartile range [IQR], 1.9-5.6 years). The 2 years and 5 years cumulative incidence rates of Grade ≥2 late vaginal toxicity were 19.9% and 27.5%, respectively. Among 31 metrics and six clinical factors extracted, the optimal model included two dosimetric variables: V70_Gy and D5_% (the percentage volume that received a dose greater or equal to 70 Gy and the minimum dose given to the hottest 5% volume, respectively). Area under the ROC curve at 2 and 5 years of followup were 0.85 and 0.91, respectively. Regarding internal validation, median area under the ROC curve of bootstrap predictions was 0.83 (IQR, 0.78-0.88) and 0.89 (IQR, 0.85-0.93) at 2 and 5 years of followup, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A multivariate normal tissue complication probability model for severe vaginal toxicity based on two dosimetric variables (V70_Gy and D5_%) provides reliable discrimination capability in a cohort of cervical cancer treated with external beam radiation therapy and BT.

Tumor Shrinkage During Chemoradiation in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Patients: Prognostic Significance, and Impact for Image-Guided Adaptive Brachytherapy

PURPOSE

To study the prognostic value of gross tumor volume (GTV) shrinkage and its dosimetric implication in a large cohort of patients with cervical cancer receiving definitive chemoradiotherapy plus image guided adaptive brachytherapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Clinical records of consecutive patients treated in our institution between February 2004 and November 2015 by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (45 Gy in 25 fractions ± lymph node boosts) followed by a magnetic resonance imaging-guided adaptive pulse-dose rate brachytherapy were included. The prognostic value of GTV and its evolution after chemoradiotherapy were examined first on initial staging magnetic resonance imaging and then at time of brachytherapy. All measures and measurement cutoffs were selected using time-dependent area under the curve for 3-year progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

GTV evolution between diagnosis and the time of brachytherapy was assessed in 247 patients. After chemoradiotherapy, complete response was observed in 75 patients (28%). Optimal cutoffs were GTV = 55 cm³ at diagnosis, GTV = 7.5 cm³ at brachytherapy, and GTV reduction ≥90%. All patients with volume above or reduction below these cutoffs had significant reduced overall survival, PFS, local control, and distant metastasis control (P < .001). Patients with anemia at diagnosis had a lower tumor volume response rate (P < .001). In multivariate analysis, incorporating the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, N+ stage, anemia, and dosimetric parameters for image guided adaptive brachytherapy, GTV optimal volume reduction after chemoradiotherapy was independently associated with improved overall survival, PFS, local control, and distant metastasis control (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results could provide a rationale for dose de-escalation studies in brachytherapy for patients displaying optimal GTV volumetric reduction after chemoradiotherapy and may reinforce the need for dose escalation in poorly responding patients.

Pharmacological modulation of radiation-induced oral mucosal complications

Radiation-induced mucositis is a common toxicity, especially in patients with head and neck cancers. Despite recent technological advances in radiation therapy, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy, radiation-induced mucositis is still causing treatment disruptions, negatively affecting patients' long and short term quality of life, and impacting medical resources use with economic consequences. The objective of this article was to review the latest updates in the management of radiation-induced mucositis, with a focus on pharmaceutical strategies for the prevention or treatment of mucositis. Although numerous studies analysing the prevention and management of oral radiation-induced mucositis have been conducted, there are still few reliable data to guide daily clinical practice. Furthermore, most of the tested drugs have shown no (anti-inflammatory cytokine, growth factors) or limited (palifermin) effect. Therapies for acute oral mucositis are predominantly focused on improving oral hygiene and providing symptoms control. Although low-level laser therapy proved efficient in preventing radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer, this intervention requires equipment and trained medical staff, and is therefore insufficiently developed in clinical routine. New effective pharmacological agents able to prevent or reverse radio-induced mucositis are required.

Flattening Filter Free vs. Flattened Beams for Lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

BACKGROUND/AIM

To assess the clinical impact of high dose rate stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in patients with lung neoplastic lesions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2014 to June 2016, a single-center retrospective analysis was performed including all patients treated by either flattening filter free (FFF) beams or flattening filter beams (FF) three-dimensional (3D) SBRT for lung neoplastic lesions.

RESULTS

A total of 99 SBRT were performed on 75 patients. Among these, 29 SBRT were performed using a FFF technique while 70 other SBRT were done using a FF technique. Median follow-up time was 12.9 months. Overall, no difference between the two groups was found except for the mean beam on time which was reduced by 3.3 to 0.9 minutes in the FFF group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

We report a low toxicity rate and a shortened beam on time in patients treated with 3D FFF SBRT for lung neoplastic lesions.

Radiation induced gastroparesis-case report and literature review

Radiation induced gastroparesis as well as the other autonomic nervous system radiation induced neuropathies are poorly described in the literature. A case of gastroparesis associated with phrenic and recurrent laryngeal nerves paralysis was observed in a 69-year old patient. She was already treated two times by rachis radiotherapy in a context of breast cancer with bone metastases. Anatomical and chronological correlation of lesions, concomitant nerve damage in the radiation fields and elimination of the main differential diagnoses allowed us to link this case of gastroparesis with the background of radiotherapy. It confirms the role of vagus nerve lesion in radiation induced gastroparesis. This specific diagnosis led to a successful treatment and a quality of life improvement.

Optimizing Local Control in High-Grade Uterine Sarcoma: Adjuvant Vaginal Vault Brachytherapy as Part of a Multimodal Treatment

PURPOSE

The phase III European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 55874 study has shown that external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) given as adjuvant treatment decreased locoregional recurrences from 40% to 20% in patients (pts) with localized uterine sarcomas (US). No data exist, however, on the place of brachytherapy (BT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of pts receiving adjuvant BT of the vaginal vault based on the vaginal mold technique as part of their multimodal adjuvant treatment for a high-grade US from 1985 to 2015. Treatment characteristics, patterns of relapse, and toxicity were examined.

RESULTS

Median follow-up time was 5.5 years. A total of 98 pts with high-grade US were identified: 81 leiomyosarcomas and 17 undifferentiated sarcomas. Postoperative chemotherapy was delivered in 53 pts. Median dose of EBRT was 45 Gy in 25 fractions. High-dose rate, low-dose rate, and pulsed-dose rate techniques were used in 66, 31, and 1 pts, respectively. At last follow-up, six pts (6.1%) experienced a locoregional relapse as first event. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage and the tumor size were associated with a higher probability of local relapse. When focusing on pts with stage I-III disease, 5-year overall survival was 77% (95% confidence interval: 67%-87%) and 5-year survival without locoregional failure was 91% (83%-98%). Toxicities were mild to moderate, with only four acute grade 3 toxicities and two grade 3 late effects.

CONCLUSION

Vaginal vault BT as part of a multimodal adjuvant treatment was associated with a high locoregional control rate and with acceptable side effects in localized high-grade US. The Oncologist 2017;22:182-188Implications for Practice: This study suggests that an aggressive adjuvant treatment combining chemotherapy and pelvic external beam radiotherapy followed with a brachytherapy of the vaginal vault is associated with a high locoregional control rate and an acceptable toxicity rate in patients with high grade uterine sarcoma. Adding a brachytherapy boost could also allow deescalating the total dose of pelvic external beam radiotherapy, in order to decrease the side effects of adjuvant treatment in these patients without increasing the risk of local relapse. However, the prognosis remains determined by a high frequency of systemic relapses.

Inflammatory bowel diseases activity in patients undergoing pelvic radiation therapy

BACKGROUND

Few studies with contradictory results have been published on the safety of pelvic radiation therapy (RT) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

From 1989 to 2015, a single center retrospective analysis was performed including all IBD patients who received pelvic external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or brachytherapy (BT) for a pelvic malignancy. Treatment characteristics, IBD activity and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity were examined.

RESULTS

Overall, 28 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) (n=13) or ulcerative colitis (n=15) were included in the present study. Median follow-up time after irradiation was 5.9 years. Regarding IBD activity, only one and two patients experienced a severe episode within and after 6 months of follow-up, respectively. Grade 3/4 acute GI toxicity occurred in 3 (11%) patients, whereas one (3.6%) patient experienced late grade 3/4 GI toxicity. Only patients with rectal IBD location (P=0.016) or low body mass index (BMI) (P=0.012) experienced more severe IBD activity within or after 6 months following RT, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We report an acceptable tolerance of RT in IBD patients with pelvic malignancies. Specifically, a low risk of uncontrolled flare-up was observed.

Chemotherapy Regimen in Nonagenarian Cancer Patients: A Bi-Institutional Experience

BACKGROUND

The elderly population in Western countries is growing and constitutes a public health issue. Concomitantly, age-related diseases such as cancer increase. There are few data on the efficacy, tolerability and toxicity of specific anticancer therapy in the very elderly patients; therefore, their management is not standardized.

METHODS

In this bi-institutional study, we reviewed medical records of patients who received or continued specific anticancer therapy beyond the age of 90 years. Geriatric assessment was not reported for our patients. Twelve patients were enrolled. Their general health condition was good, and half of them were living in elderly institutions. Ten patients had a solid tumor and 2 were treated for hematological malignancies. Most were diagnosed with a locally advanced or metastatic disease, and the goal of treatment was curative for only 1 patient. Six patients received chemotherapy as first-line treatment, 4 patients received targeted therapy and 2 received concomitant chemoradiation. Four patients received a second-line treatment.

RESULTS

Despite a significant reduction in treatment posology in half of the patients, 8 acute grade 3/4 toxicities were reported and 2 patients died of treatment-related septic shock. Median duration of first-line treatment was 3.2 months, and progression-free survival ranged from 18 to 311 days. Overall survival ranged from 18 days to 11 years.

CONCLUSION

Aging is a heterogeneous process, and management of elderly patients is a multidisciplinary approach. Geriatric assessment helps to identify older patients with a higher risk of morbidity/mortality and allows to assess the risks and benefits of specific anticancer therapy. The choice of treatment should be based primarily on the expected symptomatic benefit, and treatment should not compromise the quality of life.