The essential role of the caregiver in the management of elderly cancer patients is still poorly documented. This case report concerns a woman with metastatic lung carcinoma who was sincerely informed and successfully treated with chemotherapy and gefitinib only after gaining the trust of her overprotective daughter. Devoting time to the relatives represents a key element to create a communicative and efficient relationship with older cancer patients.
BassoU., MonfardiniS.: Multidimensional geriatric evaluation in elderly cancer patients: a practical approach.Eur J Cancer Care (Engl), 13: 424–433, 2004.
2.
LynchT.J., BellD.W., SordellaR., GurubhagavatulaS., OkimotoR.A., BranniganB.W., HarrisP.L., HaserlatS.M., SupkoJ.G., HaluskaF.G., LouisD.N., ChristianiD.C., SettlemanJ., HaberD.A.: Activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor underlying responsiveness of non-small-cell lung cancer to gefitinib.N Engl J Med, 350: 2129–2139, 2004.
3.
PitceathlyC., MaguireP.: The psychological impact of cancer on patients’ partners and other key relatives: a review.Eur J Cancer,39: 1517–1524, 2003.
