Treatment outcomes of pancreatic cancer in the elderly - literature review.

BACKGROUND: The older population is very heterogeneous with regard to the co-morbidityand the physical reserve. This can result in unacceptably high postoperative complications rates. Therefore, the aim of the study was to review the literature regarding the outcomes of older patients treated for pancreatic cancer, including the usage of minimal invasive techniques.

METHODOLOGY: A review of the literature was carried out including studies on pancreatic cancer in older patients published between 2011 and 2016.

RESULTS: Seventeen retrospective studies were included. The total number of patients was 9981 with the age range of 65 years and more. Studies on surgical treatment alone (1.4%), neoadjuvant/adjuvant treatment with or without surgery (89.4%) and palliative therapy (9.2%) were assessed separately. Appropriate comparison was diffcult due to the retrospective character and heterogeneity of the study population. Mortality was low, yet there was a great difference in morbidity ranging from some percent to even 100% of the study population. Long-term results were poor.

CONCLUSIONS: The functional status, not the chronological age alone, is the factor limiting therapeutic options in older patients with pancreatic cancer.