ADVERSE EVENTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH COLORECTAL CANCER AT CAN THO UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY HOSPITAL
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Population aging has led to a rapid increase in colorectal cancer incidence among elderly patients. However, chemotherapy in this group remains challenging due to higher toxicity risk and a paucity of geriatric-specific research data. This study aims to evaluate chemotherapy-associated adverse events and related factors, thereby contributing to the optimization of treatment strategies. Objective: To evaluate chemotherapy-associated adverse events in elderly patients with colorectal cancer at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Materials and methods: A combined retrospective and prospective descriptive study was conducted on 59 patients aged ≥ 65 years diagnosed with colorectal cancer and indicated for chemotherapy at the Oncology Department from January 2024 to December 2025. Results: The average age was 70.98 ± 4.3, males accounted for 64.4% and 84.7% of patients had BMI < 23 kg/m2. ECOG 0-1 was the most common (93.2%) and the liver was the most frequent site of metastasis (71.4%). The majority of patients were frail according to CGA (71.2%) and received the CapeOx regimen (93.2%). Elevated AST/ALT levels were the most prevalent adverse events (98.3%). Patients with lower BMI experienced a significantly higher rate of elevated AST/ALT levels (p = 0.02). Most adverse events were mild to moderate in severity and manageable. Conclusions: Chemotherapy regimens were generally well-tolerated in elderly patients. However, close monitoring and personalized treatment are essential, particularly for patients undergoing combination regimens and those with multiple comorbidities.
Keywords
Colorectal cancer, elderly patients, chemotherapy, adverse events
Article Details
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