Overcoming challenges associated with chemotherapy treatment in the senior adult population

Prostate, breast, colorectal, and lung cancer have a high prevalence in the senior adult population. Traditionally, senior adult patients have been viewed as too frail to cope with chemotherapy; however, some patients can benefit from such treatment. This review emphasizes the heterogeneity of the senior adult population and the need to make treatment decisions on a case-by-case basis. Suitability for chemotherapy should be determined by assessment of functional status, performance status, life expectancy, and existing comorbidities. These factors can be evaluated by means of a comprehensive geriatric assessment, aiding treatment decisions. To ensure the safe administration of chemotherapy to elderly patients, awareness of the physiological changes associated with aging and when to make dose adjustments is required. With the global demographic shift towards a more elderly population and continuing advances in cancer treatment, it is imperative that chronologic age alone does not prevent senior adult patients from receiving chemotherapy and care in line with best practice.