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Pharmacology of Chemotherapy

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Management of Gynecological Cancers in Older Women

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Abstract

Chemotherapy is a key component of treatment of women with epithelial ovarian cancer regardless of age. Increasing comorbidities and changes in drug pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics with increasing age can lead to increased toxicity. The assessment of renal function is vital for accurate dosing of renally excreted agents such as carboplatin. While data from clinical trials specifically in older adults is limited, data from subgroups of elderly patients informs clinicians of the utility and toxicity profiles of chemotherapy. The pharmacological characteristics of the commonly used chemotherapeutic agents are further explored.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Border Medical Oncology, Suite 1, 69 Nordsvan Drive, Wodonga, VIC, 3690, Australia

    Christopher B. Steer M.B.B.S., FRACP & Gabriel W. H. Mak M.B.B.S.

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  1. Christopher B. Steer M.B.B.S., FRACP
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  2. Gabriel W. H. Mak M.B.B.S.
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Correspondence to Christopher B. Steer M.B.B.S., FRACP .

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  1. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Commack Road, Commack, 11725, New York, USA

    Stuart M. Lichtman

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

    Riccardo A. Audisio

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Steer, C.B., Mak, G.W.H. (2013). Pharmacology of Chemotherapy. In: Lichtman, S., Audisio, R. (eds) Management of Gynecological Cancers in Older Women. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4605-6_5

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