Prognostic factors in resected stages I and II adenocarcinoma of the lung. A multivariate regression analysis of 137 consecutive patients.

Abstract

The prognostic factors for survival after radical resection of stages I and II adenocarcinoma of the lung were investigated in 137 consecutive patients. Seventeen variables were investigated by use of Cox's multivariate regression model. Factors predicting a poor prognosis were low status of Karnofsky performance, histologic subtype of solid carcinoma with formation of mucus, and T2 and N1 disease. The staging according to American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging did not provide significant information on survival when the variables describing T and N status were included in the Cox model. The new international staging system carried prognostic information because the new stages I and II are identical with the N0 and N1 groups. Groupings of patients according to the prognostic variables defined in this study allow for more detailed prediction of survival than can be achieved solely by T and N groupings. The prognostic information may be used in the design and interpretation of clinical trials and in the selection of patients who might be considered potential candidates for studies of adjuvant treatment.