Objective: To analyse the long term results of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) treated by surgery combined with postoperative chemotherapy.
Methods: From 1983 to 1994, 65 patients with SCLC were treated by surgery combined with postoperative chemotherapy, and 22 of them received prophylactic cranial irradiation.
Results: In 64 evaluable patients, the overall 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 87.5%, 53.2% and 36.3%. Patients treated by radical operation plus chemotherapy gave 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of 92.5%, 58.5% and 43.8%. The prognostic surviving factors as analysed showed that statistical differences were observed between stage I and II, I and III A (P < 0.03), N0 and N1 (P < 0.021) in 3-year survival rate, between 2-3 and 4-6 cycle chemotherapy in 1-year survival rate (P < 0.007).
Conclusion: Surgery combined with postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy is preferred for stages I and II, N0 and N1 lesions of SCLC.