The NEAT predictive model for survival in patients with advanced cancer

Abstract

Purpose We previously developed a model to more accurately predict life expectancy for stage IV cancer patients referred to radiation oncology. The goals of this study are to validate this model and to compare competing published models. Materials and Methods From May 2012 to March 2015, 280 consecutive patients with stage IV cancer were prospectively evaluated by a single radiation oncologist. Patients were separated into training, validation and combined sets. The NEAT model evaluated number of active tumors ("N"), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ("E"), albumin ("A") and primary tumor site ("T"). The Odette Cancer Center model validated performance status, bone only metastases and primary tumor site. The Harvard TEACHH model investigated primary tumor type, performance status, age, prior chemotherapy courses, liver metastases, and hospitalization within 3 months. Cox multivariable analyses and logistical regression were utilized to compare model performance. Results Number of active tumors, performance status, albumin, primary tumor site, prior hospitalization within the last 3 months, and liver metastases predicted overall survival on uinvariate and multivariable analysis (p < 0.05 for all). The NEAT model separated patients into four prognostic groups with median survivals of 24.9, 14.8, 4.0, and 1.2 months, respectively (p < 0.001). The NEAT model had a C-index of 0.76 with a Nagelkerke's R2 of 0.54 suggesting good discrimination, calibration and total performance compared to competing prognostic models. Conclusion The NEAT model warrants further investigation as a clinically useful approach to predict survival in patients with stage IV cancer.