Characterization and management of elderly and very elderly patients with non‐small cell lung cancer

Objectives Despite non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) high prevalence and increasing incidence, evidence specific to the elderly and very elderly is sparse. To retrospectively compare characterization and approach of NSCLC patients (pts) aged 70‐79 and ≥80 years. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 297 adult NSCLC pts who registered and initiated NSCLC management in our Pulmonology Oncology Unit from January 2013 to December 2016 corresponding to 38.2% of all NSCLC patients (n = 778). Demographic data and lung cancer management were analysed. Results Pts were categorized as elderly (n = 211, 71.0%) and very elderly (n = 86, 29.0%). Very elderly pts had worse Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (P = 0.047), higher Charlson age comorbidity index (P