Reply to T. To et al.

摘要

In response to the letter by To et al., we would like to address the following points related to our recently published article. First, in our study 34% of patients classified as 'fit' by a geriatric assessment (GA) did not receive standard therapy and 55% of patients classified as 'at risk' did get standard therapy. These data do not necessarily implicate that the information from GA is misinterpreted. Some cytotoxic schedules are simply not given to 'fit' older patients due to predicted toxicity or patients' preference while other standard cytotoxic therapies are perfectly possible in so called 'unfit' patients, especially if directed interventions are applied. In addition, a patient may be classified as 'unfit' on GA due to cancer-related symptoms and a standard therapy may improve their general health status.