The influence of comorbidity on the postoperative survival in elderly (≥ 75 years old) with lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a multi-institutional prospective observational study of elderly patients (≥ 75 years-old) with resected non-small cell lung cancer. In this report, we have followed the cohorts for 2 years after surgery and examined both the influence of preoperative comorbidity [Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 (ACE-27) index] on the postoperative survival and the change in the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS).

METHODS

From March 2014 to April 2015, 264 patients were prospectively registered from 22 hospitals affiliated with the National Hospital Organization. The mean age at the time of surgery was 79.3 years (range 75-90 years), and 41% of the patients were ≥ 80 years of age. A total of 26% underwent sublobar resection. The study endpoints were the postoperative overall survival (OS), its prognostic factors, and the changes in the postoperative KPS.

RESULTS

The 2-year OS was 85.3% (95% confidence interval 80.4-89.1%). Male gender, age ≥ 80, a smoking history, grade 2 of ACE-27, and an advanced disease stage were significantly poor prognostic factors for the OS in the univariate risk analysis. The multivariate analysis showed that male gender, age ≥ 80, an advanced disease stage and sublobar resection were significantly poor prognostic factors for the OS. In comparison with the preoperative KPS, no marked decline was observed in the postoperative chorological change of KPS.

CONCLUSIONS

In the surgical treatment of elderly patients, the comorbidity as assessed by the ACE-27 index might affect the postoperative survival, and therefore should be taken into accounts in the preoperative evaluation of the surgical indications.