Long-Term Outcomes of Chest Wall Resection in Non- Small Cell Lung Cancer in Geriatric Patients

Abstract

Aim:Lung cancer has become a global health problem today. Both patients and physicians prefer oncologic treatment approaches rather than surgery in T3 and T4 lung cancers in the geriatric age group. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term survival outcomes of patients aged 70 years and older, who underwent chest wall resection due to non-small cell lung cancer, and the prognostic factors affecting morbidity.Methods:Eighteen patients, who underwent chest wall resection due to non-small cell lung cancer, were assessed retrospectively.Results:A total of 18 patients (16 male and 2 female) with a mean age of 74.28±3.81 years were included in the study. The most common surgery was right upper lobectomy (55.6%, n=10). Complications were detected in nine patients (50%). The most common complication was arrhythmia. Mortality was detected in four patients (22%). The mean two-year and five-year survival rates were 77.9% and 41.4%, respectively. Lymph node status, adjuvant treatment and tumor stage were prognostic factors affecting survival (p=0.001).Conclusion:Age should not be the only criterion for surgery. Appropriately selected patients should be offered anatomical resection. Long-term survival can be achieved in these patients.

Keywords

• Thoracic wall resection
• geriatric thoracic surgery
• nonsmall cell lung cancer
• advanced stage tumors