Study Identifies Age 70 as the Threshold for Chemotherapy Effectiveness in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Recent research has shed light on the critical influence of patient age on the benefits of chemotherapy in colorectal cancer treatment. The study, led by Dr. Jun Woo Bong and colleagues from Korea University College of Medicine, analyzed data from over 8,500 patients who underwent surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy between 2014 and 2016. Their findings revealed that for patients with stage III colorectal cancer, oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy significantly improved survival outcomes in those aged 70 or younger, reducing the risk of death by 41% and increasing five-year survival rates from 78% to nearly 85%. However, in patients over 70, the drug offered no survival advantage. Moreover, nearly 40% of older patients receiving oxaliplatin discontinued treatment early, primarily due to toxicity and adverse side effects. Notably, for stage II patients, oxaliplatin did not provide any survival benefit regardless of age.

"The key takeaway is that oxaliplatin enhances survival only in stage III colorectal cancer patients up to age 70, beyond which the risks and lack of benefit suggest reconsidering its use," explained Dr. Bong. This evidence provides a vital basis for tailoring treatment strategies, allowing oncologists to avoid unnecessary toxicity in older patients unlikely to benefit.

The implications extend beyond clinical decisions, potentially influencing healthcare policies by reducing costs and complications associated with ineffective treatments. Dr. Seogsong Jeong emphasized that incorporating age as a criterion into clinical guidelines can advance precision oncology, ensuring personalized and effective care. Despite some limitations, such as the retrospective study design and absence of molecular data, the large national dataset reinforces the robustness of these results, which are poised to impact future guidelines and everyday oncology practice.

This research underscores the importance of integrating patient age and resilience into cancer treatment planning, promoting safer, more effective therapies for older adults while preserving quality of life.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-age-cutoff-chemotherapy-benefit-colorectal.html