Abstract
To optimize chemotherapy for head and neck malignant tumors in the elderly we compared patients older than 70 years of age with those younger than 69. Toxic reaction was comparable between the two age groups, except that hematologic and mucosal reactions in the head and neck region were more prevalent in the elderly. However, the response rate and chemosensitivities were similar between the two groups.
Our findings indicate that chemotherapy for the elderly should based on a performance status under 3 grade, instead of age, and that anti-cancer drugs not affecting immunological function should be selected.
