Progress in the management and outcome of small-cell lung cancer in a French region from 1981 to 1994
2001
Improving Survival in Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Sample size: 787
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Lebitasy M P, Hédelin G, Purohit A, Moreau L, Klinzig F, Quoix E
Primary Institution: Service de Pneumologie Lyautey, CHU de Strasbourg
Hypothesis
Has there been a true improvement in survival for small-cell lung cancer patients over time?
Conclusion
Survival time for small-cell lung cancer patients has truly improved due to advancements in management and treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- The chemotherapy rate increased from 76.4% in 1981–1983 to 91.7% in 1993–1994.
- Median survival time increased from 6.6 months in 1981–1983 to 11.3 months in 1993–1994.
- For patients with limited disease, median survival improved from 9.2 months to 14.0 months.
- For patients with extensive disease, median survival improved from 3.5 months to 9.6 months.
Takeaway
Doctors looked at records of people with small-cell lung cancer to see if they are living longer now than before, and they found that new treatments are helping.
Methodology
Reviewed medical records of all consecutive patients diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer between 1981 and 1994.
Participant Demographics
Median age of participants was 63 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P = 10−5
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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