Chemotherapy Primary Dose Reduction in Older Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Cohort

Abstract

Primary dose reduction (PDR) in the first course of chemotherapy is an empirical practice, commonly used in older population. Patients over 70 years old receiving a first course of chemotherapy for a solid tumor were enrolled. A total of 179 patients were included. Standard dose was used in 69.8% of patients, while 30.2% received PDR of chemotherapy. Only 29.6% received a standardized geriatric assessment. Patients receiving standard doses presented 83.2% of toxicities, while 68% of toxicities were reported in patients receiving PDR. The toxicity rate was significantly decreased in patients treated with reduced first-cycle dose of chemotherapy.

Keywords:

• Older
• chemotherapy dose reduction
• first course
• geriatric assessment

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Capucine Lalliard for English editing services.

Author contributions

WB and LL contributed to the development of the article, drafting, and revision of the manuscript. LL collected data. FT performed the statistical analysis. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.