Open extended lobectomies for lung cancer in patients over 70 years old

Life expectancy is increasing worldwide, leading to a growing proportion of elderly individuals. This demographic is at a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Due to advanced age and comorbidities, patients in this group are often denied surgical treatment. However, an increasing number of elderly patients have a biological age that does not match their chronological age–they are more active and have fewer comorbid conditions.
This paper examines which elderly patients are suitable candidates for open lobectomies and identifies factors influencing surgical risk. The article emphasizes that advanced age alone should not be considered a contraindication for surgery. The presented data demonstrate that open lobectomies for lung cancer can be successfully performed in elderly patients, yielding good immediate outcomes and relatively high overall survival rates.