| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1912903 | Journal of Geriatric Oncology | 2013 | 6 Pages |
ObjectivesThe complication rate, loco-regional responses and length of hospital stay were analyzed in patients with liver and kidney cancer older than 70 years treated with interventional oncology procedures. The findings from the older population were compared with the younger patients (< 70 years) to detect any difference not related to chance.Materials and methodsProspectively collected data on patients who underwent hepatic artery embolization (with or without radiofrequency ablation) and kidney radiofrequency ablation were retrospectively analyzed. Complication rates, loco-regional responses and length of hospital stay for patients older and younger than 70 were compared.Results163 patients were treated, 66 (40.5%) older and 97 (59.5%) younger than 70 years. The complication rate in patients older than 70 was 4.5% (3/66 pts) versus 3.1% (3/97 pts) (p = 0.69) in the younger age-group. The complication rates for the liver embolization group, liver embolization plus radiofrequency and kidney radiofrequency group were 2/90 pts (2.2%), 2/42 pts (4.8%) and 2/31 pts (6.5%), respectively (p = 0.46). Median hospital stay was three nights in both older and younger patients. Response rates were not significantly influenced by age.ConclusionLiver embolization with or without radiofrequency and renal radiofrequency are safe and effective in older patients. Age alone should not be considered a contraindication to treatment in carefully selected patients.
