Survival in early lung cancer patients treated with high dose radiotherapy is independent of pathological confirmation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Approximately 15% of lung cancer patients are diagnosed in early stages. Microscopic proof of disease cannot always be obtained because of comorbidity or reluctance to undergo invasive diagnostic procedures. In the current study, survival data of patients with and without pathology are compared.

Methods

One hundred and sixty three patients with NSCLC I-IIb (T3 N0) treated between 2002 and 2016 were eligible: 123 (75%) had pathological confirmation of disease, whereas 40 (25%) did not. In accordance with international guidelines, both groups received radiotherapy. Comorbidity was assessed with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).

Results

The median follow-up was 28.6 months (range: 0.3-162): 66 (40%) patients are still alive, while 97 (59%) patients died: 4

SUBMITTER: Zehentmayr F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6360228 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature