Short-course radiotherapy in elderly patients with early stage non-melanoma skin cancer: a phase II study

Cancer Invest. 2015 Mar;33(2):34-8. doi: 10.3109/07357907.2014.998835.

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate outcome of an accelerated radiotherapy (RT) regimen in elderly patients with an early stage non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

Methods: Total RT dose was 30 Gy in 5 Gy fractions in six consecutive days.

Results: Thirty-one patients were enrolled. Fourteen were aged ≥80 years. Acute skin and observed late toxicity were exclusively of grade 1. Thirty patients showed a complete response (median follow-up 30 months). Two-year actuarial local control was 93.2%. The cosmetic result was mostly judged as good or excellent.

Conclusions: Short-course RT in elderly NMSC patients produces >90% local control of disease.

Keywords: Cancer in the elderly; Non-melanoma skin cancer; Radiation oncology.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dose Fractionation, Radiation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Radiotherapy Dosage*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / radiotherapy*