Patterns of care and survival among small cell lung cancer patients: Experience from a tertiary center in India

Background/purpose

Lung cancer is the commonest malignancy and the most common cause of cancer related mortality in males worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the commonest histology while small cell lung cancer (SCLC) contributes to only 15% of all cases of lung cancer. This report intended to present the patterns of care, survival outcomes and prognostic factors of SCLC treated in a tertiary care institute.

Results

A total of 85 patients of SCLC were registered in radiotherapy unit I during the period January, 2005 to December, 2012. The median age of the cohort was 56.5 years (95% CI 34–72). The majority of the patients were male with a male:female ratio of 6.7:1. Sixty eight percent of the patients were smokers. Sixty percent patients presented with extensive stage disease. Radiotherapy (RT) was used in 76% of the patients while chemotherapy was used in 75% of the patients. Platinum Etoposide was the most common regimen which was used in 70% of the patients who received chemotherapy. The median progression free survival (PFS) of the entire cohort was 11.4 months (95% CI 9.11–13.58 months). Stage, performance status, and use of chemotherapy were found to be significant factors affecting survival outcome in patients with SCLC.

Conclusion

The pattern of care and survival outcomes in the present study parallels that of the various published retrospective reviews. Basic research and development of targeted agents may be the way forward in improving the outcome of patients with SCLC.