Baseline Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Assessment May Help Predict Survival in Lung Cancer Patients—A Prospective Cardio-Oncology Study

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease and cancer coexist and lead to exertional dyspnea. The aim of the study was to determine the prognostic significance of cardiac comorbidities, ECG and baseline echocardiography in lung cancer patients with varying degrees of reduced performance status. This prospective study included 104 patients with histopathologically confirmed lung cancer, pre-qualified for systemic treatment due to metastatic or locally advanced malignancy but not eligible for thoracic surgery. The patients underwent a comprehensive cardio-oncological evaluation. Overall survival negative predictors included low ECOG 2 (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) performance status, stage IV (bone or liver/adrenal metastases in particular), pleural effusion, the use of analgesics and among cardiac factors, two ECG parameters: atrial fibrillation (HR = 2.39) and heart rate >90/min. (HR = 1.67). Among echocardiographic parameters, RVSP > 39mmHg was a negative predictor (HR = 2.01), while RVSP < 21mmHg and RV free wall strain < −30% were positive predictors (HR = 0.36 and HR = 0.56, respectively), whereas RV GLS < 0.05). Selected echocardiographic parameters may be helpful in predicting poor performance in lung cancer patients and, supplemented with ECG evaluation, broaden the possibilities of prognostic evaluation.