Abstract
In general, the management and reported outcomes for elderly patients with squamous
cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) have been similar to those of younger
patients. But older adults are a distinct subpopulation of patients who differ from
younger patients due to their increased risks for: comorbidities, decreased functional
status, a potential decline in cognitive function and an increase in vulnerabilities.
Older adults have been underrepresented in the clinical trials which define our best
treatment strategies. This review explores the evidence used to establish common practice
in managing SCCHN and evaluates the relevance of this evidence for the older adult,
concluding with recommendations based on the review.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 23, 2012
Accepted:
February 22,
2012
Received in revised form:
February 14,
2012
Received:
October 28,
2011
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc.
ScienceDirect
Access this article on ScienceDirectLinked Article
- Erratum to “Management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in the elderly: Review and recommendations” [J. Geriatr. Oncol. 3 (2012) 265–272]Journal of Geriatric OncologyVol. 4Issue 1