Is it necessary to treat a 70-year-old with advanced lung cancer?

Advanced lung cancer at the age of 70 still needs treatment, and the goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life and prolong survival. Treatment options include drug therapy, radiotherapy, palliative care and supportive care.

1. Drug treatment

Drug treatments for advanced lung cancer mainly include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. Targeted therapy targets specific gene mutations, such as EGFR, ALK, etc. Drugs include gefitinib, erlotinib, etc. Immunotherapy fights cancer cells by activating the immune system. Commonly used drugs include pembrolizumab and nivolumab. Chemotherapy drugs such as paclitaxel and cisplatin can be used to control tumor growth. Drug treatment should be selected based on the patient's physical condition and genetic test results.

2. Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy can relieve symptoms such as pain and dyspnea caused by advanced lung cancer. For patients with bone metastasis or brain metastasis, radiotherapy can effectively relieve pain and neurological symptoms. Radiotherapy options include stereotactic radiotherapy and conventional radiotherapy, and the specific choice depends on the location of the tumor and the patient's tolerance.

3. Palliative and supportive care

Palliative care aims to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life, including pain management, nutritional support and psychological counseling. Pain management can use opioids such as morphine and fentanyl. Nutritional support improves the patient's physical condition through a high-protein diet and oral nutritional supplements. Psychological counseling can help patients relieve anxiety and depression through psychological counseling and family support.

Treatment for 70-year-old patients with advanced lung cancer requires comprehensive consideration of their physical condition, tumor characteristics, and personal wishes. Drug therapy, radiotherapy, and palliative care can effectively relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and prolong survival. Patients and their families should fully communicate with their doctors to develop individualized treatment plans, while also focusing on psychological support and daily care to help patients better cope with the disease.