Analysis of Unresectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Surviving More Than 2 Years.

Abstract

Of 235 unresectable non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with chemotherapy at Matsudo National Hospital between 1983 and 1986, 34 (14%) patients survived more than 2 years. Nine patients (4%) were disease-free, and the other 25 (10%) were alive even with disease. The common characteristics observed in the 9 disease-free survivors were as follows; (1) Their performance status was 1 or 2, and all were localized stage III patients. (2) They could receive more than three cycles of chemotherapy, resulting in partial response. They also received additional radiation therapy. (3) The disease recurred in 3 of the 9 patients after 2 years of follow-up. Therefore, it takes more than 2 years to declare cure.