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Comparison between young and old patients with bronchogenic carcinoma
N Awadh-Behbehani1, K Al-Humood, A Ayed
1Department of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat. nasser_beh@hsc.kuniv.edu.kw
Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden)
|February 24, 2001
Summary
This study found that young lung cancer patients (<=45 years) had more adenocarcinoma and surgery, but similar survival to older patients. Bronchogenic carcinoma characteristics were compared between age groups.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Bronchogenic carcinoma, a significant cause of cancer mortality, disproportionately affects older individuals.
- Understanding the clinical profile of younger patients with lung cancer is crucial for targeted treatment strategies and improved outcomes.
- Previous research has indicated potential differences in histology and presentation between young and older lung cancer cohorts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare clinical characteristics, histological subtypes, diagnostic stage, treatment modalities, and survival rates of young (<=45 years) versus older patients with bronchogenic carcinoma.
- To identify any unique epidemiological or clinical features associated with early-onset lung cancer.
- To inform public health initiatives and clinical management guidelines for lung cancer across different age demographics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 590 primary bronchogenic carcinoma cases diagnosed between 1985 and 1994 at the Kuwait Cancer Control Center.
- Data collection included patient demographics, symptom duration, smoking status, histological type, disease stage at diagnosis, treatment received, and survival outcomes.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare characteristics and survival between younger (<=45 years) and older patient groups.
Main Results:
- Younger patients (72, 12%) showed a higher incidence of adenocarcinoma (32% vs. 20%, p=0.01) and received surgery more frequently (21% vs. 7.5%, p=0.001) compared to older patients.
- Both groups predominantly presented with advanced-stage disease (Stage III/IV: 91% young vs. 88% old).
- Median survival was comparable (8 months young vs. 7 months old, p=0.09), with only 6 patients surviving over 5 years.
Conclusions:
- Bronchogenic carcinoma in young adults is not uncommon in certain populations, presenting with distinct histological features (adenocarcinoma) and higher surgical intervention rates.
- Despite these differences, overall survival and disease stage at diagnosis were similar between young and older patients, suggesting limited impact of age alone on prognosis in this cohort.
- Further research into the specific drivers of early-onset lung cancer and tailored therapeutic approaches is warranted to improve long-term outcomes for younger individuals.