Prognostic factors in patients with surgically resected stages I and II non-small cell lung cancer

Background. About one-third to one-half of patients with early stages of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) succumb to their disease. In this study, we attempted to identify prognostic factors that predict outcome in patients with stages I and II NSCLC. Methods. A retrospective evaluation of 454 patients with surgically resected stages I and II NSCLC was performed to determine the impact of various clinical, laboratory, and pathological factors on patient outcome such as overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS). Results. Patients older than 65 years had shorter EFS and OS than younger patients (p = 0.002). Patients with preoperative hemoglobin less than or equal to 10 g% had shorter EFS and OS compared to patients with a hemoglobin greater than 10 g% (p = 0.001). Expectedly, OS and EFS were shorter in patients with stage II as compared to stage I patients (p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, age, hemoglobin level, and stage remain significant predictors for EFS and OS. Conclusions. Older age, anemia, and higher stage are important prognostic factors in patients with surgically resected stage I and II NSCLC. (C) 2000 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeon.