To establish a predictive model for non-operable elderly esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing IMRT, aiding in personalized treatment decisions.
Key Findings:
High malnutrition rate (62.8%) among elderly EC patients, significantly impacting treatment tolerance and outcomes.
Nomograms can integrate clinical features and nutritional indices to predict prognosis.
Interpretation:
The study highlights the need for tailored treatment approaches for elderly patients with EC, considering their unique challenges, such as comorbidities and treatment tolerance.
Limitations:
Retrospective design may introduce bias in patient selection and data collection.
Lack of external validation cohort limits generalizability.
Conclusion:
The developed nomogram serves as a valuable tool for personalized treatment planning in elderly patients with unresectable esophageal cancer undergoing IMRT.
