Efficacy and Adverse Events of Immunotherapy with Checkpoint Inhibitors in Older Patients with Cancer

Holstein, Y. van; Kapiteijn, E.; Bastiaannet, E.; Bos, F. van den; Portielje, J.; Glas, N.A. de (2019)

Article / Letter to editor

The number of older patients with cancer is increasing as a result of the ageing of Western societies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have improved cancer treatment and are associated with lower rates of treatment-related toxicity compared with chemotherapy in the general population. Nonetheless, immune checkpoint inhibitors have potentially serious immune-related adverse events, which might have a greater impact on older and more vulnerable patients and potentially influence treatment efficacy and quality of life. Previous clinical trials have shown no major increase in immune-related adverse events; however, older patients are underrepresented and relatively healthy in these trials. Observational studies suggest that older and more vulnerable patients may be at a higher risk of immune-related adverse events and early treatment discontinuation. Geriatric assessment could help identify older patients who will benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors.

• All authors: Holstein, Y. van; Kapiteijn, E.; Bastiaannet, E.; Bos, F. van den; Portielje, J.; Glas, N.A. de
• Date: 2019-10-01
• Journal: Drugs and Aging
• Volume: 36
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 927 - 938
• DOI: doi:10.1007/s40266-019-00697-2