Caring for older women with breast cancer: can observational research fill the clinical trial gap?

Abstract

Women aged 65 years or older (herein referred to as “older women”) constitute one-half of new breast cancer patients each year ( 1 ) , and the absolute number of breast cancer cases will double by 2030, with the graying of America ( 2 ) . Despite their growing numbers, guidelines for appropriate treatment of these older women are limited by the lack of clinical trial data that are specific to this age group, uncertainty about balancing treatment toxicity and benefits, the potential for therapy to amplify preexisting medical conditions, and competing noncancer causes of mortality. There are also minimal data on older women's preferences for treatment and its outcomes.