Survival and Prognostic Factors in Limited-stage Small-cell Lung Cancer

J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2021 Dec;31(12):1433-1437. doi: 10.29271/jcpsp.2021.12.1433.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the factors affecting overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with limited stage-small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC).

Study design: Descriptive study.

Place and duration of study: Prof. Dr. Cemil Tascioglu City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey from January 2002 to October 2019.

Methodology: Data of 89 patients was analysed, who were treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for LS-SCLC, of whom some had also received prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI). The clinical course and survival rates of LS-SCLS patients treated with different treatment modalities, were evaluated and the prognostic factors were analysed by Cox-regression analysis.

Results: The median age of the patients was 59.6 (39 - 83) years-old; 82% were men. The median follow-up duration was 20 (1 - 189) months. The median PFS and OS were 16 (95% CI, 13-18) months and 33 (95% CI, 25-41) months. Patients, who underwent PCI had better OS compared to patients who did not [54 (95% CI, 27-87) months vs. 19 (95% Cl,, 13-25) months, log-rank, p = 0.004]. Grade 3-4 hematologic toxicities were observed in 12 (13.5%) patients and grade 3-4 esophagitis was observed in 25 (28.1%) patients. Younger age, ECOG 0-1, stage I-II disease, complete response to CRT were good prognostic factors on OS and PFS. A complete response to CRT was also a good independent factor in terms of PFS and OS.

Conclusion: In this study, younger age, better ECOG status, stage I-II disease, and complete response to CRT had a favourable impact on OS and PFS in LS-SCLC. In addition, PCI has been shown to increase survival in these patients. Key Words: Limited-stage, Small-cell lung cancer, Thoracic radiotherapy, Chemoradiotherapy.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chemoradiotherapy
  • Cranial Irradiation
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma* / therapy
  • Survival Rate