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Treatment of the Elderly Head and Neck Cancer Patient

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Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

Elderly patients represent at least 40% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). These patients often receive inadequate treatment, either exceeding their tolerance capability or exposing them to a lesser chance of cure because of undertreatment. Customizing treatment to the individual patient is the key for avoiding such pitfalls. This paper analyses the literature on optimal management of elderly patients with HNSCC, from the diagnostic procedures with a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) of co-morbidities to the specific recommendations for surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinique de Genolier, Institut Multidisciplinaire d’Oncologie, 5 Route du Muids, Genolier, CH-1272, Vaud, Switzerland

    Jean-Claude Horiot

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  1. Jean-Claude Horiot
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  2. Matti S. Aapro
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Correspondence to Jean-Claude Horiot .

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  1. , Dept of Radio-Oncology, Genolier Swiss Medical Network, 4 Route du Muids, Genolier, CH-1272, Switzerland

    Jacques Bernier

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Horiot, JC., Aapro, M.S. (2011). Treatment of the Elderly Head and Neck Cancer Patient. In: Bernier, J. (eds) Head and Neck Cancer. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9464-6_41

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9464-6_41

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-9463-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-9464-6

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