Key Considerations for the Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer in Older Adults: An Expert Consensus of the Canadian Treatment Landscape

• Published in: Current oncology (Toronto) Vol. 31; no. 1; pp. 145 - 167
• Main Authors: Jackson, Emily B, Curry, Lauren, Mariano, Caroline, Hsu, Tina, Cook, Sarah, Pezo, Rossanna C, Savard, Marie-France, Desautels, Danielle N, Leblanc, Dominique, Gelmon, Karen A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 26.12.2023
• Subjects: Aged; Antimitotic agents; Antineoplastic agents; Breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms - therapy; Canada; Cancer; Care and treatment; Consensus; Drug therapy; Evidence-based medicine; expert consensus; Female; Health care industry; Health care reform; Health Personnel; Humans; Medical care; Medical personnel; older adults; Pharmaceutical industry; Quality management; systemic therapy; toxicity; Canada; United States; Switzerland; toxicity; older adults; breast cancer; expert consensus; systemic therapy
• ISSN: 1718-7729; 1198-0052; 1718-7729
• DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31010010

The prevalence of breast cancer amongst older adults in Canada is increasing. This patient population faces unique challenges in the management of breast cancer, as older adults often have distinct biological, psychosocial, and treatment-related considerations. This paper presents an expert consensus of the Canadian treatment landscape, focusing on key considerations for optimizing selection of systemic therapy for advanced breast cancer in older adults. This paper aims to provide evidence-based recommendations and practical guidance for healthcare professionals involved in the care of older adults with breast cancer. By recognizing and addressing the specific needs of older adults, healthcare providers can optimize treatment outcomes and improve the overall quality of care for this population.