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Age 70 identified as cutoff for chemotherapy benefit in colorectal cancer
Medical Xpress / Korea University College of Medicine / JAMA Network Open ^ | Sept. 18, 2025 | Jun Woo Bong et al

Posted on 10/06/2025 8:58:57 PM PDT by ConservativeMind

Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death, with incidence rising among older adults. One of the most pressing clinical questions has been whether elderly patients should receive oxaliplatin, a standard component of adjuvant chemotherapy that is known to cause serious side effects.

To address this, Dr. Jun Woo Bong conducted a large-scale population study.

The team examined health records from more than 8,500 patients with stage II or III colorectal cancer who underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy between 2014 and 2016. Patients were divided into two groups: those treated with oxaliplatin-based combinations, and those given standard chemotherapy alone. Using advanced statistical methods, the researchers systematically tested whether an age threshold existed at which oxaliplatin stopped providing survival benefits.

The results were decisive. In stage III patients aged 70 or younger, oxaliplatin reduced the risk of death by 41%, boosting five-year survival from 78% to nearly 85%. But in those older than 70, oxaliplatin did not improve survival and was linked to higher rates of treatment discontinuation. In fact, almost 40% of older patients receiving oxaliplatin stopped chemotherapy early, often due to toxicity. For stage II patients of any age, oxaliplatin showed no added survival benefit.

"The most important point is that oxaliplatin improves survival only in patients with stage III colorectal cancer who are aged 70 years or younger. Beyond 70, the benefit disappears, and oxaliplatin is associated with higher discontinuation rates due to toxicity," said Dr. Bong.

(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...


TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: agecutoff; aging; cancer; chemo; colon; coloncancer; oxaliplatin; treatment

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To: HighSierra5
I beat liver cancer

Excellent!👍

21 posted on 10/07/2025 5:30:53 AM PDT by telescope115 (Ad Astra, Ad Deum…)
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To: higgmeister

My thoughts also.


22 posted on 10/07/2025 6:49:47 AM PDT by MO Repub mom (Our country needs better than Kommiela)
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To: ConservativeMind

Paging Dr. Bong. Paging Dr. Bong. Please report to the smoking lounge immediately.


23 posted on 10/07/2025 11:46:30 AM PDT by Pennsyltucky Boy (bitterly clinging to our constitutional rights in PA)
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To: ConservativeMind
My understanding is oxaliplatin as an ingredient of FOLFOX is behind the neuropathy side effect dreaded by so many.

If oxaliplatin is not beneficial to patients over 70, then chemo for elderly colon cancer patients can be administered without what is arguably the worst side effect of FOLFOX.

24 posted on 10/07/2025 1:44:53 PM PDT by fso301
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