Synchronous non-small cell lung cancers.
BACKGROUND
The few series of synchronous lung cancers have included small cell and carcinoid tumors. We wished to determine the prognosis for patients with synchronous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).


METHODS
A database of 3034 lung cancer patients was reviewed for synchronous NSCLC. Survival was determined by Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank analysis.


RESULTS
There were 27 patients (0.8%). Fourteen were completely resected (CR) and had a 5-year survival rate of 45% The 5-year survival rate for patients whose highest stage tumor was stage I or II was 38%, versus 0% for patients whose highest tumor stage of III (P = 0.01). The 5-year survival rate for patients with two stage I tumors was 41% versus 0% for patients with 2 stage III tumors (P = 0.03). The 5-year survival rate for patients treated with wedge resections was similar to that for patients treated with lobectomies or pneumonectomy (L/P).


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the prognosis for patients with synchronous NSCLC may not be dismal if both tumors are resectable and stage I or II. Wedge resections are an alternative for those who cannot tolerate L/P.
Pommier
R F
RF
Section of Surgical Oncology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201, USA.
Vetto
J T
JT
Lee
J T
JT
Johnston
K M
KM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000401:mortality* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / Q000401:mortality* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies