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Older Patients with Lung Cancer: a Summary of Seminal Contributions to Optimal Patient Care

  • Palliative Medicine (A Jatoi, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review aspires to summarize the landmark advancements in the management of the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), both historically and contemporarily with special focus in older adults.

Recent Findings

The past two decades have witnessed remarkable improvements in the diagnosis and management of lung cancer. Screening recommendations now facilitate earlier diagnosis in high-risk individuals, PET/CT scans have improved radiologic accuracy in identifying sites of disease, and surgical management with minimally invasive techniques has rendered surgery safer in those with limited physiologic reserve. Radiation enhancements, especially radiosurgery, have extended the reach and safety of radiation among high-risk populations. Finally, the revolution in precision medicine with identification of numerous actionable mutations, the advent of immunotherapy, and enhanced supportive care have revolutionized the outcomes in patients with advanced lung cancer.

Summary

Older adults who represent a majority of patients battling lung cancer have not benefitted to the same extent as their younger counterparts. This special population is only expected to grow in coming days. Hence, addressing major gaps in the management of older adults with NSCLC and optimizing the care are much needed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams Street, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA

    Alina Basnet & Ajeet Gajra

  2. Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA

    Asrar Alahmadi

  3. Hematology Oncology Associates of Central New York, 5008 Brittonfield Pkwy, E Syracuse, NY, 13057, USA

    Ajeet Gajra

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  1. Alina Basnet
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Correspondence to Ajeet Gajra.

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Alina R. Basnet declares that she has no conflict of interest. Asrar Alahmadi declares that he has no conflict of interest. Ajeet Gajra has been an employee of and has owned stock in Cardinal Health, and has also been an employee of ICON plc.

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Basnet, A., Alahmadi, A. & Gajra, A. Older Patients with Lung Cancer: a Summary of Seminal Contributions to Optimal Patient Care. Curr Oncol Rep 24, 1607–1618 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-022-01307-y

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