Plasma Androstenedione Concentration Can Discriminate Frail versus Non-Frail Men with Prostate Cancer under Androgen Deprivation Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a mainstay of prostate cancer in both adjuvant and palliative settings. Since androgens are crucial for functional status and psychological functions, we evaluated whether blood testosterone, androstenedione, or DHEA concentrations were associated with functional status and psychological alterations in patients with localised (PCa) or metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) receiving ADT with analogues of luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). METHODS: The five Fried criteria were considered to identify frailty syndrome. In addition, complementary evaluations were carried out to measure other variables of interest. Sleep quality was assessed using the Athens Insomnia Scale, cognitive functions were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, and symptoms of depression were measured using the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine if the androgens level could be related to frailty syndrome, sleep impairment, depressive symptoms, and cognitive functions. RESULTS: The results of the multivariate analyses show that high concentrations of androstenedione were significantly associated with frailty syndrome in both groups (p = 0.018; odds ratio = 4.66, 95% confidence interval [1.30-16.6]). There were significant relationships between frailty syndrome and the systemic concentration of androstenedione (p = 0.01), but not the concentration of testosterone (p = 0.60) or DHEA (p = 0.42). In addition, the results of the non-parametric tests show significant results between a decreased gait speed in the two groups (metastatic and localised) and the concentration of androstenedione (p = 0.015). High androstenedione levels were associated with a slow walking speed in the mCaP group (p = 0.016), while high testosterone levels were associated with a better walking speed in the localised CaP group (p = 0.03). For the concentration of androstenedione in plasma, the area under the curve was 0.72, with a 95% CI of 0.55-0.88 with acceptable values, and with a cut-off point of 4.51 pg/mL, a sensitivity of 82.9%, and specificity of 53.8%. No relationships between the concentration of androgens in plasma and sleep quality, cognitive functions, or symptoms of depression suggest that the changes were specific to frailty syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Further research into the role of androstenedione should be evaluated in follow-up studies in order to recommend its use as a suitable biomarker of frailty syndrome in prostate cancer patients.

Comparison of Frailty Criteria, Cognitive Function, Depressive and Insomnia Symptoms in Men with Localized and Advanced Prostate Cancer under Androgen Deprivation Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is considered one of the most important medical problems in the male population, with a very high incidence after the age of 65. Frailty represents one of the most critical issues facing healthcare due to its inherent relationship with poor healthcare outcomes. The physical phenotype of frailty syndrome based on Fried criteria has been associated with poor outcomes, morbidity, and premature mortality. To date, there are few studies that have analyzed frailty syndrome in patients with localized and advanced (mPCa) disease under androgen-deprivation therapy. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to assess whether there are differences in frailty criteria between mPCa and localized PCa. We also evaluated the role of other geriatric variables such as depressive and insomnia symptoms, which are frequently reported in cancer patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, frailty syndrome was evaluated in both groups, as well as its possible relationship with cognitive functions, depressive and insomnia symptoms, and other clinical variables related to PCa and its treatment. Frailty was defined on Fried's criteria: low lean mass, weakness, self-reported exhaustion, low activity level, and slow walking speed; prefrailty was defined as having one or two of those criteria and frailty as having three or more, depressive symptoms were defined by the Yesavage scale, cognitive functions with the Mini-Mental examination test, and insomnia symptoms by the Athens scale and self-reported health status. RESULTS: The prevalence of prefrailty/frailty was slightly higher in mPCa compared to localized PCa (81.5% versus 72.3%, respectively), however by analyzing each of the frailty criteria, two of them were significantly reduced in mPCa compared to localized PCa patients, e.g., gait speed (p = 0.001) and muscle strength (p = 0.04). The reduced gait speed and muscle strength in mPCa were not due to the increased age in mPCa group, or to an increase in comorbidities or shorter time under androgen-deprivation therapy. The symptoms of insomnia were significantly higher in mPCa patients compared to those with localized PCa (p < 0.05) whereas cognitive functions or depressive symptoms were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with mPCa under androgen-deprivation therapy display higher alterations in gait speed and muscular strength and insomnia symptoms, thus interventions should be aimed to reduce these alterations in order to limit adverse outcomes related to them and to improve quality of life in these patients.

Analysis of Frailty Syndrome in Men with Metastatic Prostate Cancer: A Scoping Review.

Most patients with metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) are older. In addition, current geriatric oncology guidelines suggest that all cancer patients aged over 70 years should undergo a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), with the identification of frailty syndrome being crucial for clinical decisions. Frailty can be associated with lower quality of life (QoL) and interfere with the feasibility or side effects of oncology treatments. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search to evaluate frailty syndrome and associated alterations related to CGA impairment by searching in different academic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Scopus). The identified articles were reviewed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS: Of the 165 articles consulted, 7 met our inclusion criteria. Analysis of data related to frailty syndrome in patients with mPCa showed a prevalence between 30-70% depending on the tool used. Additionally, frailty was associated with other CGA assessments and QoL evaluation outcomes. In general terms, CGA scores for patients with mPCa were lower than those for patients without metastasis. Furthermore, functional QoL appeared to be worse for patients with metastasis, and global QoL (burden) was more strongly associated with frailty. CONCLUSION: Frailty syndrome was related to a poorer QoL in patients with mPCa and its evaluation should be considered in clinical decision-making and when choosing the most appropriate active treatment, if any, to increase survival.

Adjuvant aromatase inhibitor treatment worsens depressive symptoms and sleep quality in postmenopausal women with localized breast cancer: A one-year follow-up study.

First-line treatment in postmenopausal women with estrogen- and/or progesterone-positive breast cancer consists of aromatase inhibitors (AROi). The ability of AROi to promote or worsen cognitive function, depressive symptoms, sleep quality and performance in basic activities of daily life as primary and concomitant outcomes in long longitudinal studies in post-menopausal women has been seldom investigated. This study is a cohort trial which aimed to determine if there were differences in cognitive function assessment, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality after 1 year under AROi treatment and to determine the interrelations between these symptoms. METHODS: A prospective 1-year longitudinal study was performed in a representative sample of tertiary hospital. Women with localized breast cancer newly treated with AROi therapy were evaluated for cognitive functions, depressive symptoms, sleep problems and ability to perform basic activities of the daily life at baseline and after 6 months and 12 months under adjuvant AROi treatment. RESULTS: Analysis of cognitive functions by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores did not show significantly worsening under AROi treatment after 6 months and 12 months of treatment compared to the baseline. Analysis of depressive symptoms with the Geriatric Depression Scale and sleep quality with the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) scores showed significant (p < 0.05) changes after 6 and 12 months of treatment with AROi, with women describing more depressive symptoms and more sleep disturbances. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found impairments in sleep quality and an increase in depressive symptoms, which has important implications for clinicians as they impair quality of life and adherence to treatment.

Androstenedione and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Concentration Predict the Progression of Frailty Syndrome at One Year Follow-Up in Patients with Localized Breast Cancer Treated with Aromatase Inhibitors.

Background: The standard treatment in postmenopausal women with estrogen- and progesterone-positive localized breast cancer consists of aromatase inhibitors (AROi). The ability of AROi to promote or worsen frailty syndrome over time and the relationship with changes in gonadal hormones concentration in blood have not been investigated. Methods: A prospective study to evaluate the relationship between frailty syndrome and gonadal hormones concentrations in blood at baseline (prior to AROi treatment) and after 6 and 12 months under AROi treatment in post-menopausal women with breast cancer. Frailty syndrome was evaluated by the Fried' criteria. We evaluated whether hormone concentration at baseline could predict frailty syndrome at follow-up. Results: Multinomial regression analysis showed that of the different hormones, those significantly (p < 0.05) associated to the worsening of frailty syndrome were high androstenedione levels and low follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in blood. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed both androstenedione and FSH significantly (p < 0.05) discriminate patients who developed or presented worsening of frailty syndrome over time, with acceptable sensitivity (approximately 80% in both cases) but low specificity (40%). Conclusion: Hormonal concentrations before AROi treatment constitute possible biomarkers to predict the progression of frailty syndrome.

Plasma Aromatase Activity Index, Gonadotropins and Estrone Are Associated with Frailty Syndrome in Post-Menopausal Women with Breast Cancer.

Frailty syndrome is associated with poor outcomes, morbidity and premature mortality. We performed a cross-sectional study to evaluate the presence of frailty syndrome based on Fried's frailty phenotype in post-menopausal women with breast cancer. We further analyzed the association between frailty syndrome with geriatric assessments and the association with the concentration of gonadotropins LH and FSH, estrogens, androgens and the aromatase activity index in the blood. We enrolled 47 post-menopausal women with localized breast cancer (mean age 66.8 ± 1.3 years (range 52−83)) prior to the starting of adjuvant endocrine therapy. Patients were identified as "non-frail" (robust) or "prefrail/frail" if they fulfilled at least one frailty criteria. In order to determine associations among variables and to control for other variables potentially affecting frailty syndrome (age, comorbidity index and previous chemotherapy treatment), we performed a logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve was performed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the hormonal concentration to discriminate prefrail/frail versus non-frail individuals. Significant positive associations were observed between the severity of frailty syndrome and estrone, FSH and LH concentrations and the aromatase activity index in the blood (p < 0.05). Further research into the role of hormonal biomarkers should be evaluated in follow-up studies in order to recommend their use as suitable biomarkers of frailty syndrome in breast cancer patients.

Development and Validation of an Early Mortality Risk Score for Older Patients Treated with Chemotherapy for Cancer.

Background: Estimation of life expectancy in older patients is relevant to select the best treatment strategy. We aimed to develop and validate a score to predict early mortality in older patients with cancer. Patients and Methods: A total of 749 patients over 70 years starting new chemotherapy regimens were prospectively included. A prechemotherapy assessment that included sociodemographic variables, tumor/treatment variables, and geriatric assessment variables was performed. Association between these factors and early death was examined using multivariable logistic regression. Score points were assigned to each risk factor. External validation was performed on an independent cohort. Results: In the training cohort, the independent predictors of 6-month mortality were metastatic stage (OR 4.8, 95% CI [2.4-9.6]), ECOG-PS 2 (OR 2.3, 95% CI [1.1-5.2]), ADL ≤ 5 (OR 1.7, 95% CI [1.1-3.5]), serum albumin levels ≤ 3.5 g/dL (OR 3.4, 95% CI [1.7-6.6]), BMI < 23 kg/m2 (OR 2.5, 95% CI [1.3-4.9]), and hemoglobin levels < 11 g/dL (OR 2.4, 95% CI (1.2-4.7)). With these results, we built a prognostic score. The area under the ROC curve was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.73 to 0.84), and in the validation set, it was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.67-0.79). Conclusions: This simple and highly accurate tool can help physicians making decisions in elderly patients with cancer who are planned to initiate chemotherapy treatment.

Prediction of Unplanned Hospitalizations in Older Patients Treated with Chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of unplanned hospitalization (UH) and to identify risk factors for UH in elderly patients with cancer who start chemotherapy. METHODS: In all, 493 patients over 70 years starting new chemotherapy regimens were prospectively included. A pre-chemotherapy geriatric assessment was performed, and tumor and treatment variables were collected. The association between these factors and UH was examined by using multivariable logistic regression. Score points were assigned to each risk factor. RESULTS: During the first 6 months of treatment, 37% of patients had at least one episode of UH. Risk factors were the use of combination chemotherapy at standard doses, a MAX2 index ≥1, a Charlson comorbidity score ≥2, albumin level <3.5 g/dL, falls in the past 6 months ≥1, and weight loss >5%. Three risk groups for UH were established according to the score in all patients: 0-1: 17.5%; 2: 34%; and 3-7: 57% (p < 0.001). The area under receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.67-0.77). CONCLUSION: This simple tool can help to reduce the incidence of UH in elderly patients with cancer who are scheduled to initiate chemotherapy treatment.

Prediction of Chemotoxicity, Unplanned Hospitalizations and Early Death in Older Patients with Colorectal Cancer Treated with Chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: To identify risk factors for toxicity, unplanned hospitalization (UH) and early death (ED) in older patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC) initiating chemotherapy. METHODS: 215 patients over 70 years were prospectively included. Geriatric assessment was performed before treatment, and tumor and treatment variables were collected. The association between these factors and grade 3-5 toxicity, UH and ED (<6 months) was examined by using multivariable logistic regression. Score points were assigned to each risk factor. RESULTS: During the first 6 months of treatment, 33% of patients developed grade 3-5 toxicity, 31% had UH and 23% died. Risk factors were, for toxicity, instrumental activities of daily living, creatinine clearance, weight loss and MAX2 index; for UH, Charlson Comorbidity Score, creatinine clearance, weight loss, serum albumin, and metastatic disease; and for ED, basic activities in daily living, weight loss, metastatic disease, and hemoglobin levels. Predictive scores were built with these variables. The areas under receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curves for toxicity, UH and ED were 0.70 (95% CI: 0.64-0.766), 0.726 (95% IC: 0.661-0.799) and 0.74 (95% IC: 0.678-0.809), respectively. CONCLUSION: Simple scores based on geriatric, tumor and laboratory characteristics predict severe toxicity, UH and ED, and may help in treatment planning.

Undertreatment and overtreatment in older patients treated with chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Inconsistent doses and schemes are commonly used in older patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. We performed this study in patients with cancer and age ≥ 70 years to determine the frequency of undertreatment and overtreatment as well as factors influencing the decision to modify chemotherapy doses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients aged ≥70 years starting new chemotherapy regimens were prospectively included in a multicentre study. The schedule and drug doses were determined by the treating oncologist. Pre-chemotherapy assessment included sociodemographics, treatment details and geriatric assessment (GA) variables. Association between these factors and undertreatment (use of less intensive cancer treatment [LICT] in a fit patient) or overtreatment (use of standard cancer treatment in an unfit older patient) were examined by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Three- hundred ninety-seven patients were included, 43% of whom received LICT. If not adjusted for GA, toxicity did not differ between those receiving LICT (38%) or standard doses of chemotherapy (37%). If the dose of chemotherapy was analyzed according to the results of GA 61 (15%) patients had been undertreated and 133 (34%) had been overtreated. Undertreatment was related with increasing age and decreased renal function. Factors related with overtreatment were younger age, curative intention of treatment, prescription of G-CSF as primary prophylaxis and adequate cognitive status. Overtreated patients had more grade 3-4 toxicity than those receiving treatment adapted to fragility (42% vs 31%; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of chemotherapy without considering GA leads to overtreatment more commonly than undertreatment in older patients with cancer. Oncologists should take into account the results of GA to stratify patients and to avoid under or overtreatment.

Predicting Chemotherapy Toxicity in Older Patients with Cancer: A Multicenter Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Standard oncology tools are inadequate to distinguish which older patients are at higher risk of developing chemotherapy-related complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients over 70 years of age starting new chemotherapy regimens were prospectively included in a multicenter study. A prechemotherapy assessment that included sociodemographics, tumor/treatment variables, and geriatric assessment variables was performed. Association between these factors and the development of grade 3-5 toxicity was examined by using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 551 patients were accrued. Chemotherapy doses (odds ratio [OR] 1.834; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.237-2.719) and creatinine clearance (OR 0.989; 95% CI 0.981-0.997) were the only factors independently associated with toxicity. Only 19% of patients who received reduced doses of chemotherapy and had a creatinine clearance ≥40 mL/minute had grade 3-4 toxicity, compared with 38% of those who received standard doses or had a creatinine clearance <40 mL/minute (p < .0001). However, no satisfactory multivariate model was obtained using different selection approaches. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy doses and renal function were identified as the major risk factors for developing severe toxicity in the older patient. These factors should be considered when planning to initiate a new chemotherapy regimen and should also lead to a closer follow-up in these patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Older patients are more vulnerable to chemotherapy toxicity. However, standard tools are inadequate to identify who is at higher risk of developing chemotherapy-related complications. Chemotherapy doses (standard vs. reduced) and renal function were identified as the major risk factors for developing severe toxicity in the elderly. These factors should be considered when planning to initiate a new chemotherapy regimen and should also lead to a closer follow-up.

Macronutrientes, ingesta de alimentos y peso corporal; papel de la grasa / Macronutrientes, food intake and body weight; the role of fat

Introducción: 'Globesity' es el término que la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) emplea para denominar el progresivo aumento de la obesidad experimentado desde los últimos 40 años en los países desarrollados y cuyo contagio a los países en vías de desarrollo ha sido inevitable. Esta situación ha llevado a los gobiernos y organizaciones internacionales de todo el mundo a plantear estrategias destinadas a frenar dicha epidemia. Objetivo: Recopilar los conocimientos más actuales que se tienen de la relación entre los macronutrientes (en especial de la grasa y los sistemas de liberación de lípidos) y la secreción de péptidos gastrointestinales relacionados con la saciedad y saciación. Metodología: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica basada en la combinación de términos MeSH en Medline (vía PubMed) y en LILACs mediante DeCS, así como una selección de otros artículos relacionados con la temática de la revisión. Resultados y discusión: Actualmente, numerosos laboratorios públicos y privados se encuentran investigando diversos ingredientes bioactivos relacionados con la regulación del apetito. Destacan los relacionados con la grasa ingerida y la forma en que esta puede ser tratada físicamente, sobre todo emulsiones y estructuras parecidas y su influencia sobre la saciedad y/o disminución de la sensación de hambre. Conclusiones: Estos ingredientes alimentarios se plantean como el futuro de los alimentos funcionales enfocados a la prevención de la ganancia de peso y ayuda a otras estrategias contra la obesidad (alimentarias, conductuales, etc...) (AU)

Introduction: 'Globesity' is the term that the World Health Organization (WHO) employs to define the growth of obesity in the world from the last 40 years which started in the developed countries and has been inevitably propagated to the developing ones. Governments and international organizations are aware of the problem and they are trying to implement measures to fight it. Aim: To analyze the current evidence in terms of studies about the relationship between macronutrients (especially fat and lipid release systems) and the secretion of gastrointestinal peptides that are involved with satiety and satiation. Methods: The search was conducted in Medline (via Pubmed) using different combinations of MeSH terms and in the database LILACs using 'DeCS'. A selection of another articles relevant to the review topic was also examined. Results and discussion: At present, there are several laboratories and industries developing novel bioactive ingredients aimed at the regulation of food intake, with emphasis on those related with fat intake and the different ways in which fat can be technologically processed in order to create structures able to enhance satiety and/or diminish hunger. Conclusion: These ingredients will be the future of functional foods focused on the prevention of weight gain and the support of other strategies against obesity (dietary, behavioral, etc…) (AU)

[Macronutrients, food intake and body weight; the role of fat]. / Macronutrientes, ingesta de alimentos y peso corporal; papel de la grasa.

INTRODUCTION: "Globesity" is the term that the World Health Organization (WHO) employs to define the growth of obesity in the world from the last 40 years which started in the developed countries and has been inevitably propagated to the developing ones. Governments and international organizations are aware of the problem and they are trying to implement measures to fight it. AIM: To analyze the current evidence in terms of studies about the relationship between macronutrients (especially fat and lipid release systems) and the secretion of gastrointestinal peptides that are involved with satiety and satiation. METHODS: The search was conducted in Medline (via Pubmed) using different combinations of MeSH terms and in the database LILACs using "DeCS". A selection of another articles relevant to the review topic was also examined. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: At present, there are several laboratories and industries developing novel bioactive ingredients aimed at the regulation of food intake, with emphasis on those related with fat intake and the different ways in which fat can be technologically processed in order to create structures able to enhance satiety and/ or diminish hunger. CONCLUSION: These ingredients will be the future of functional foods focused on the prevention of weight gain and the support of other strategies against obesity (dietary, behavioral, etc…).

Introducción: "Globesity" es el término que la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) emplea para denominar el progresivo aumento de la obesidad experimentado desde los últimos 40 años en los países desarrollados y cuyo contagio a los países en vías de desarrollo ha sido inevitable. Esta situación ha llevado a los gobiernos y organizaciones internacionales de todo el mundo a plantear estrategias destinadas a frenar dicha epidemia. Objetivo: Recopilar los conocimientos más actuales que se tienen de la relación entre los macronutrientes (en especial de la grasa y los sistemas de liberación de lípidos) y la secreción de péptidos gastrointestinales relacionados con la saciedad y saciación. Metodología: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica basada en la combinación de términos MeSH en Medline (vía PubMed) y en LILACs mediante DeCS, así como una selección de otros artículos relacionados con la temática de la revisión. Resultados y discusión: Actualmente, numerosos laboratorios públicos y privados se encuentran investigando diversos ingredientes bioactivos relacionados con la regulación del apetito. Destacan los relacionados con la grasa ingerida y la forma en que esta puede ser tratada físicamente, sobre todo emulsiones y estructuras parecidas y su influencia sobre la saciedad y/o disminución de la sensación de hambre. Conclusiones: Estos ingredientes alimentarios se plantean como el futuro de los alimentos funcionales enfocados a la prevención de la ganancia de peso y ayuda a otras estrategias contra la obesidad (alimentarias, conductuales, etc...).

36th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: resumen de los conceptos clínicos más relevantes / 36th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: summary of the contributions with greatest clinical impact

La reunión anual del San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium es considerada el evento internacional más importante que se realiza sobre cáncer de mama. En ella se actualiza la situación del manejo del cáncer de mama desde un punto de vista multidisciplinar. En esta edición destacan los trabajos de adyuvancia con tamoxifeno durante 10 años, así como los prometedores datos del estudio fase ii que combina letrozol con PD 0332991, un inhibidor de ciclina-dependiente de quinasa 4/6. Se resumen, agrupadas en epígrafes, las aportaciones de mayor impacto clínico(AU)

The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, in which breast cancer management is updated from a multidisciplinary perspective, is considered the most important international meeting on breast cancer. Notable contributions this year included 10-year studies of adjuvant tamoxifen and a phase ii trial of letrozole with PD 0332991, a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor. The present article summarizes, under distinct subheadings, the contributions with greatest clinical impact(AU)

Smoking habits in elderly lung cancer patients: still no changes in epidemiology? A single-center experience.

PURPOSE: Our goal was to describe the clinical, histological, and epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer diagnoses in people ≥70 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on patients diagnosed with lung cancer from January 2006 to February 2008 was prospectively collected from the outpatient oncology department at a regional hospital. A total of 83 patients (97.6% men; mean age 77 years) were studied. There was a higher ratio of men to women than that reported in younger populations. Mean age was higher than that reported for randomized studies: 65.1% were ≥75 years old. Patients >80 years constituted 28.9% of the study population. Most patients (96.4%) had a history of smoking; they were predominantly former smokers (72.5% vs. 27.5%). RESULTS: The most common histological types were squamous cell (61.3%) and small cell (14.5%) carcinoma. Metastasis was present in 36.1% of patients. Stage was significantly associated with survival (logrank p < 0.001). There was no association between age and survival. Squamous cell lung cancer was associated with a better survival (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly lung cancer patients who attended clinical practice were older than those included in prospective studies. The predominance of men and squamous cell carcinoma is associated with a smoking history. The epidemiological and histological patterns of younger patients have changed, possibly in relation to changes in smoking habits. The translation of these changes to elderly patients will be evidenced in the future. Only prospective epidemiologic studies will determine whether smoking habits are changing epidemiology in elderly lung cancer patients.