Prognostic factors in Greek patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). A Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group study

Abstract

Background: Prognostic factors among Greek patients with SCLC were evaluated.

Patients and methods: Data from 516 patients with SCLC treated by the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group were analyzed. Multivariate analysis was performed.

Results: Complete response (CR) was achieved in 26.8% and partial response in 40.1% of patients. The median duration of response was 7.4 months, the median survival 10.5 months and the 2-year survival rate 12%. The stage of the disease was a dominant prognostic factor for survival and response. PS 0-1 was a major prognostic factor for survival, duration of response and CR. Female gender was a favorable predictor for CR. Superior vena cava syndrome was a poor prognostic factor for survival and duration of response. Weight loss and age > or = 60 were poor predictors for response. The sites of metastases affected survival, duration of response and response. Normal alkaline phosphatase was a favorable prognostic factor for survival, duration of response and response. Normal lactate dehydrogenase and thoracic irradiation were favorable prognostic factors for survival and duration of response.