Pattern of treatment and clinico-epidemiological analysis of 804 lung and pleura cancer patients treated in radiation oncology department, NCI-Egypt

• Main Authors: Ehab M. Khalil, Manal M. Anwar, Sherwief M.Abdelfattah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2016-01-01
• Series: Egyptian Journal of Chest Disease and Tuberculosis
• Subjects: Lung cancer; Mesothelioma; Radiotherapy; Pattern of treatment
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S042276381530039X

Background: Epidemiological profile and treatment outcomes of Lung and pleural malignancies vary among different geographical regions. The aim of the study is to analyze the clinico-pathological profile and pattern of treatment of lung and pleural cancers at the Radiation Oncology department, NCI, Cairo University. Materials and methods: A review of 804 clinical patient records with 770 pathologically/cytologically confirmed patients from Jan 2008-December 2012 was performed. Patients were evaluated (clinical, demographic and pathological profiles) in addition to the treatment adopted. Results: Median age was 56 years with a male: female ratio of 4:1. Smoking was reported in 63% of patients. Dyspnea and chest pain were the most presenting symptoms (53%). Among lung cancer patients; 78% were NSCLC and 12% SCLC with mesothelioma comprising 10%. Among NSCLCs, adenocarcinoma and large cell undifferentiated carcinoma were the commonest histological subtype (72%). Among NSCLC, 58% cases were of stage IV while among SCLC 73% cases had extensive stage disease. Chemotherapy was administered to 47% (55% vs. 67%, and 35% vs. 31% among non-metastatic lung cancer, mesothelioma patients and metastatic lung cancer and mesothelioma patients respectively). Distant metastases (brain 48%, bone 36%) were reported in 45% of patients. The pattern of treatment intent was palliative (88%) vs. 12% treated with radical intent. Conclusions: Advanced stages at presentation reflect the palliative pattern of treatment. Hypo-fractionated radiotherapy for lung and pleura malignancies as a palliative measure is the current practice. Implementation of early palliative care should be considered for metastatic patients.