2Kayseri Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Tıbbi Onkoloji Kliniği KAYSERİ
3Kayseri Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Patoloji Kliniği KAYSERİ
4Erciyes Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Radyasyon Onkolojisi Kliniği KAYSERİ Introduction: More than half of newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer cases are patients aged more than 65 years and therefore, it is an important health problem in elderly population. In this study, we aimed to investigate effect of various the prognostic factors on survival in non-small cell lung cancer patients aged more than 65 years.
Materials and Method: Ninety-seven non-small cell lung cancer patients aged ≥65 years were included in this study. Performance status was assessed as Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0-1 and 2-3. Lower than 12.0 (x 109/L) or higher than the value of white blood cell count were classified as normal or higher, respectively. Similarly, lower than 400 (x 109/L) or higher than the value of platelet count were classified as normal or higher, respectively. Mortality risk was analyzed using the multivariate Cox regression model including all the significant variables in the univariate analysis.
Results: Overall survival estimated by Kaplan–Meier test was 11.2 [95% confidence interval (7.55-14.85)] months. In univariate analysis, performance status, stage, white blood cell and platelet counts significantly affected overall survival (p <0.001, 0.001, 0.044, and 0.006, respectively). In multivariate analysis, performance status and platelet count significantly affected overall survival (p <0.001and 0.017, respectively).
Conclusion: Survival in elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer is significantly influenced by performance status, stage, white blood cell and platelet count. In this patient group, not only age but also these factors should be kept in mind in the treatment planning of the patients.
Keywords : Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Aged; Thrombocytosis; Leukocyte Count; Survival Analysis