Survival and prognostic factors of non-small-cell lung cancer among young people in central Tunisia

Abstract

Introduction: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a public health problem that usually affects the elderly. Currently and for some years now, this disease is increasingly affecting the young population. The purpose of this study was to analyze the features of NSCLC in young subjects and to assess survival as well as the various prognostic factors. Methods: we conducted a retrospective study of all patients under the age of 50 years treated in the Department of Pneumology at the Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir for NSCLC. Survival and prognostic factors have been analyzed according to Kaplan Meier method. Results: the average age of patients was 43.8 ± 5.29 years. The most common histological type was lung adenocarcinoma (66.1%). NSCLC was discovered at an advanced or metastatic stage in 79.7% of cases. The median overall survival was 8 ± 0.72 months. Univariate analysis showed that survival was significantly influenced by patients' general status, assessed according to the "Performance Status (PS)" index of the World Health Organization on admission, tumor stage and CRP concentrations. Multivariate analysis was performed, which enabled us to use PS index ≥ 2 and high CRP concentrations as factors of poor prognosis. Conclusion: despite the therapeutic progress, prognosis in young subjects with NSCLC is poor. Early diagnosis and management can improve survival in these patients.