Related Experiment Videos
Prognostic factors in extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas. A large retrospective study
Yu-Lin Lin1, Chih-Yuan Chung, Cheng-Shyong Chang
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan.
Oncology
|December 22, 2007
Summary
Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (EPSCC) prognosis is improved by female gender, limited disease, and combined treatment. Head-and-neck and gynecologic origins also indicate better outcomes for EPSCC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (EPSCC) is a diverse cancer group with poorly understood clinicopathological features.
- Defining these features is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (EPSCC).
- To identify predictors of survival in patients diagnosed with EPSCC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 90 EPSCC patients treated at three major Taiwanese medical centers from 1995-2005.
- Review of histologic/clinical diagnoses, smoking history, staging, treatment, and outcomes.
- Statistical analysis including univariate and multivariate survival analyses.
Main Results:
- Female gender, limited disease, and combined modality treatment were independent predictors of improved survival in multivariate analysis.
- Head-and-neck and gynecologic origins were associated with longer median survival times.
- Long-term survival was observed in 10% of patients, predominantly with head-and-neck and gynecologic tumors.
Conclusions:
- Female gender, limited disease stage, and combined modality treatment are favorable prognostic indicators for EPSCC.
- Tumor origin in the head and neck or gynecologic system may predict prolonged survival in EPSCC patients.