Cho S, et al. - The prognostic factors for post-recurrence survival (PRS) were investigated in patients with completely resected stage III (N2) non-small-cell lung cancer. This study showed no correlation between the prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival and PRS. Researchers identified a shorter recurrence-free interval (RFI) and radiotherapy for the treatment of recurrence as negative prognostic factors for PRS.

Methods

• Using Cox proportional hazards models, researchers evaluated a number of clinicopathological factors to identify the prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival in 245 patients who underwent complete resection of pathological stage III (N2) non-small-cell lung cancer.
• They evaluated additional post-recurrence data, including the presence of symptoms of recurrence, the recurrence pattern, the treatment modality and the RFI.
• They analyzed the prognostic effects of clinicopathological factors before recurrence and the additional post-recurrence data on PRS.

Results

• During a median follow-up period of 39.8 months, recurrence was reported in 124 patients.
• At the time of initial recurrence, 21 patients were symptomatic; a mean RFI of 14.0 months was reported.
• Data revealed loco-regional recurrence in 38 (31%) patients, distant metastasis in 33 (27%) patients and both in 53 (42%) patients.
• In this study, surgery was the initial treatment modality in 17 (14%) patients, chemotherapy in 66 (53%) patients, radiotherapy in 17 (14%) patients and chemoradiotherapy in 18 (15%) patients.
• Researchers noted the median PRS duration of 30.5 months (range 1–109 months); the 1-, 3- and 5-year PRS rates were 72%, 43% and 23%, respectively.
• The multivariable analysis revealed a shorter RFI and radiotherapy for the treatment of recurrence as independent prognostic factors for PRS.