BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant therapy has improved outcomes of resection for rectal carcinoma, however, there is limited data regarding its impact on elderly patients.METHODS: A retrospective review of 109 patients, 74 patients <70 years (Group 1) vs 35 elderly patients ? 70 years (Group 2), who underwent neoadjuvant therapy followed by open resection from 1999 to 2010.RESULTS: Neoadjuvant therapy was completed by 73/74 patients in Group 1 (99%) vs 30/35 patients in Group 2 (86%) (p = 0.013). R0 resection was accomplished in 94% (Group 1-96%, Group 2-91%). The overall recurrence rate was 12% for Group 1 vs 9% for Group 2. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in overall survival favoring Group 1 (p = 0.002).CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant therapy was safely administered to completion in 86% of elderly patients with similar rates of R0 resection and recurrence versus a younger patient population and should not be denied on the basis of advanced age alone.
Adenocarcinoma Adult