Toxicities of systemic antineoplastic treatment in elderly cancer patients

All methods of antineoplastic systemic treatment are invariably associated with side effects. Elderly cancer patients are a group of increased risk of complications which can influence treatment efficacy, quality of life and also preexisting comorbidities. Because toxicities are one of the most frequent reasons of treatment discontinuation, their risk should be considered. The effective management of cancer requires individualization of treatment and efforts to minimize toxicity. Thus, it is essential to screen elderly patients for risk factors before initiating treatment, use agents with optimal therapeutic index, modify treatment schedule and rigorous monitoring of cardiac function. In elderly population effective management of toxicities associated with antineoplastic treatment with appropriate supportive care is crucial.