Ying Gao,1,2 Jie Hao,1 Zhendong Zhang1 

1Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, 300121, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Thyroid and Neck Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Clinical Research Center, Tianjin Cancer Clinical Research Center, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Tianjin, 300060, People’s Republic of China

Correspondence: Zhendong Zhang; Jie Hao, No. 190 Jieyuan Road, Hongqiao District, Tianjin, 300121, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8613302182253 ; +8618920392330, Email zhangzhendongdoc@sina.com; haojie1215@126.com

Abstract: Decision-making regarding adjuvant chemotherapy for older adults with breast cancer is a challenge because older adult patients often have poor physical health, frailty, and age-related comorbidities, which can compromise treatment outcome. Due to these considerations, doctors tend to use less chemotherapy for breast cancer in older adults. However, older patients in good general health could still benefit from chemotherapy. Careful benefit-risk assessment is essential to provide best care for each older adult patient. Due to a rapidly aging population, breast cancer in older adults is becoming a serious public health issue in China. In this mini review, we discuss the need, means, and tools to assess the benefits and risks of adjuvant chemotherapy in older adults with breast cancer. The contents of this review may drive decision-making with regard to the use and selection of adjuvant chemotherapy for older adult patients in China who are fit for the treatment.

Keywords: breast cancer, older adult patients, chemotherapy, assessment