LUNG-TUMORS IN AGE

In the treatment of malignant lung tumours in the older patient it is important to consider the effects of a higher morbidity and the prognostic influence of concomitant diseases. In competent hands, the risks of invasive procedures such as bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy are comparatively low. Although the mortality and the rate of diagnostic thoracotomies are acceptable, lung resections carry a complication rate of 50%. One third of patients over the age of 70 years cannot be treated for small cell lung tumours as the complications of chemotherapy are considerable higher than in patients under the age of 70 years. A median survival time of 9 months is achievable which in patients of this age is acceptable. The decision to treat the patient should be individualized and be related to the patient's biological condition.