Chemotherapy side effects and their prophylaxis and treatment in elderly patients

Abstract

Any medication in elderly patients must be carefully indicated. In chemotherapy, this is double times valid.

The age is not a contraindication of chemotherapy, however, this must be adjusted in respect to the performance status, comorbidities and organ functions in a patient. Supportive and nursing care are of very high importance.

Keywords

• chemotherapy
• geriatrics
• elderly patient
• neutropenia
• anemia
• mucositis
• diarrhoea
• constipation
• nauzea