Background: Women aged ≥65 are generally underrepresented in early breast cancer studies. Therefore, the optimal management of this group of women remains less certain.
Methods: A literature review of recently published trials, reviews, and practice guidelines outlining the surgical and adjuvant management of early breast cancer in older women was performed.
Results: Surgery remains as the cornerstone treatment for early breast cancer in the elderly. Adjuvant radiation is generally considered if the projected lifespan is >5 years. Hormone receptor-positive disease is best treated with adjuvant endocrine treatment; aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen are both options. Evidence for the use of adjuvant chemotherapy and trastuzumab for high-risk disease in the elderly is more limited. Polychemotherapy is still preferred in fit older women. Certain toxicities from systemic treatments can be more pronounced and should be carefully managed. Treatment with systemic agents should be individualized, with consideration of patient preference, performance status, comorbidities, and projected lifespan. Molecular tumor signatures may help better select patients for treatment in the future.
Conclusions: Age in itself should not be an absolute contraindication to any breast cancer therapy. Comprehensive, multidisciplinary assessment of elderly patients is imperative in evaluating eligibility for beneficial therapies.