Geriatric factors analyses from FFCD 2001-02 phase III study of first-line chemotherapy for elderly metastatic colorectal cancer patients

•Addition of irinotecan to 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of elderly did not improve progression-free survival and overall survival.•Normal autonomy was independently associated with better overall survival (OS).•Some patient's subgroup might benefit from doublet chemotherapy with regard to progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).•These sub-group are: age <80, unresected primary tumour, leucocytes >11,000 and carcinoembryonic antigen >2N for PFS.•And patients with normal Instrumental Activities of Daily Living with regard to OS.