Cancer among the elderly: Is research keeping up?

"It has never been more important to find evidence-based treatment strategies for elderly patients." These words, presented at the 31st Conference of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO 31) in Barcelona, lament on the lack of clinical trials, and evidence-based treatment for senior citizens with cancer. While ageism should never play a role in deciding the best course of treatment for a cancer patient, a study from the St. James' Instiute of Oncology at the University of Leeds has shown that this does occur, particular in patients over the age of 70. A stance is therefore needed to balance the right amount of treatment, without under or over-prescribing. To read more about this study, click here