Small cell lung cancer: effectiveness of different treatment regimens, long-term results and prognosis

Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different treatment regimens of patients with small cell lung cancer. Methods. Examined were 76 patients, 17 (22.4%) females and 59 (77.6%) males, mean age 62±4.87 years, divided into two groups. The first group consisted of 46 (60.5%) individuals with a generalized form of the disease, the second group consisted of 30 (39.5%) patients with localized cancer. Results. In patients with a localized form of lung cancer the most effective treatment method was a combination of surgical treatment with chemotherapy. In this group in the near-term period noted was a complete regression of the disease, while in the long-term period - a statistically significant improvement of 2- and 3-year survival compared with patients receiving chemotherapy alone. In patients with a generalized form of small cell lung cancer the best immediate and long-term results were observed after chemoradiotherapy compared with chemotherapy alone, which was reflected in statistically significant improvement of parameters of partial remission and stabilization of the disease, as well as improved 1- and 2-year survival. Conclusion. The use of chemotherapy in combination with surgical treatment for localized forms and chemoradiotherapy for generalized forms of small cell lung cancer is characterized by higher indices of treatment efficacy compared to administration of just chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy, respectively.

lung cancer, small cell carcinoma, generalized form, localized form, chemoradiotherapy, surgical treatment