[Surgical management and outcomes of lung cancer in women - results from the Epithor database]

Abstract

Introduction: Rates of lung cancer in women have been increasing continually for several years. The basic surgical management of this condition is the same in both sexes but a number of differences are apparent.

Methods: We analysed data entered onto the Epithor database between June 2002 and June 2006 concerning 8535 surgical resections performed in primary lung cancer.

Results: 22.5 percent of patients were women. They were significantly younger (59.6 years vs 62.7 years) and had a lower BMI (24.7 kg x m(-2) vs 25.5 kg x m(-2)). They were in a better physical condition in terms of American Society of Anaesthesiology score and performance status, with better preserved lung function and fewer co-morbidities (1.8 vs 2.1) compared to men. The percentage of adenocarcinomas was higher in women and a higher proportion had early stage disease. 30 day mortality was three times as high in men who also experienced much greater post-operative morbidity. Multivariate analysis revealed an odds ratio of 0.49 (95% CI 0.3-0.8) for mortality and 0.54 (95% CI 0.4-0.6) for morbidity in women compared to men.

Conclusion: Women with lung cancer have less risk of post-operative morbidity and mortality than men. These data suggest that they might be able to benefit from more aggressive perioperative therapy.