Karnofsky performance score, radiation dose and nodal status predict survival of elderly patients irradiated for limited-disease small-cell lung cancer

Aim: Elderly patients require special consideration in oncology treatment. Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive tumour with dismal prognosis. The present study focused on prognostic factors in elderly patients irradiated for limited-disease SCLC. Patients and Methods: In 36 patients aged 65 years, 11 factors were evaluated for the impact on survival, namely gender, Karnofsky performance score, body mass index, T-category, N-category, tobacco consumption, time from SCLC diagnosis to irradiation, smoking during irradiation, simultaneous chemotherapy, radiation dose and prophylactic cranial irradiation. Results: On multivariate analysis, Karnofsky performance score of >70 (p<0.001), N-category 0-2 (p0.001) and total radiation dose of >52 Gy (p=0.011) were significantly associated with better survival. Conclusion: Significant predictors of survival in elderly patients irradiated for limited-disease SCLC were identified. A radiation dose of >52 Gy resulted in improved survival when compared to lower doses.