Studying Cancer Treatment in the Elderly Patient Population
Studying Cancer Treatment in the Elderly Patient Population
Age should not be considered a criterion for disqualifying a person with cancer from a clinical trial. Phase 2 trials dedicated to older individuals are necessary to establish the pharmacology of novel agents in the older patient population. Phase 3 trials that study the older patient population should stratify patients according to life expectancy and treatment risks. Registry studies with prospective data collection are necessary to encompass the diversity of all older individuals.
Conclusions
Age should not be considered a criterion for disqualifying a person with cancer from a clinical trial. Phase 2 trials dedicated to older individuals are necessary to establish the pharmacology of novel agents in the older patient population. Phase 3 trials that study the older patient population should stratify patients according to life expectancy and treatment risks. Registry studies with prospective data collection are necessary to encompass the diversity of all older individuals.
