Relevance of an intensive postoperative follow-up after surgery for non-small cell lung cancer.
Fiche publication
Date publication
octobre 2000
Auteurs
Membres identifiés du Cancéropôle Est :
Pr WESTEEL Virginie, Pr WORONOFF Macha
Tous les auteurs :
Westeel V, Choma D, Clement F, Woronoff-Lemsi MC, Pugin JF, Dubiez A, Depierre A
Lien Pubmed
Résumé
BACKGROUND: Although a minimal follow-up with periodic clinic visits and chest radiographs is usually recommended after complete operation for non-small cell lung cancer, the ideal follow-up has not been defined yet. Objectives of this prospective study were to determine the feasibility of an intensive surveillance program and to analyze its influence on patient survival. METHODS: Follow-up consisted of physical examination and chest roentgenogram every 3 months and fiberoptic bronchoscopy and thoracic computed tomographic scan with sections of the liver and adrenal glands every 6 months. Influence of patient and recurrence characteristics on survival from recurrence was successively analyzed using the log-rank test and a Cox model adjusted for treatment. RESULTS: Among the 192 eligible patients, recurrence developed in 136 patients (71%) and was asymptomatic in 36 patients (26%). In 35 patients, recurrence was asymptomatic and detected by a scheduled procedure: thoracic computed tomographic scan in 10 (28%) patients and fiberoptic bronchoscopy in 10. Fifteen patients (43%) had a thoracic recurrence treated with curative intent. From the date of recurrence, 3-year survival was 13% in all patients and 31% in asymptomatic patients whose recurrence was detected by a scheduled procedure. Asymptomatic recurrences (p < 0.001), female sex (p < 0.001), performance status 2 or less (p = 0.01), and age 61 years or younger (p = 0.01) were shown to be significantly favorable prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: This intensive follow-up is feasible and may improve survival by detecting recurrences after surgery for non-small cell lung cancer at an asymptomatic stage.
Référence
Ann Thorac Surg. 2000 Oct;70(4):1185-90.