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Palliation and Quality of Life

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Book cover Management of Colorectal Cancers in Older People

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Abstract

About half of elderly patients with colorectal cancer are left with palliative interventions only due to non-curable disease. Tumor-controlling medical treatment may prolong life and improve quality of life also in elderly patients, but the likelihood of a favorable outcome is less than in younger patients. Multiple subgroup analyses of clinical trials have shown that elderly patients gain as much as younger patients, but selection to clinical trials is extensive and the elderly trial population is not representative of the general population. The transition from a curative to a palliative approach and from when tumor-controlling therapy is meaningful to when it is not are important to consider by the medical staff. The content of the palliative care, for example, not to abandon, be easily available, provide high medical competence, give rapid help, and continue to talk, is as relevant in elderly as in young patients. The aim is to maintain good quality of life as long as possible.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Oncology and Radiation Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SE-751 85, Sweden

    Bengt Glimelius M.D., Ph.D.

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  1. Bengt Glimelius M.D., Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Bengt Glimelius M.D., Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre, Acropoleos Avenue, Nicosia, 2006, Cyprus

    Demetris Papamichael

  2. St Helens Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Marshalls Cross Road, St Helens, WA9 3DA, United Kingdom

    Riccardo A. Audisio

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© 2013 Springer-Verlag London

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Glimelius, B. (2013). Palliation and Quality of Life. In: Papamichael, D., Audisio, R. (eds) Management of Colorectal Cancers in Older People. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-984-0_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-984-0_13

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-85729-983-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-85729-984-0

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