Survival among non-small cell lung cancer patients with poor performance status after first line chemotherapy

Performance status (PS) is a commonly used factor in determining the appropriateness for chemotherapy of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The prevalence of poor PS and impact of chemotherapy on survival among NSCLC patients has not been studied in community populations.

Insured patients, aged 50+ years, diagnosed with advanced stage NSCLC between 2000 and 2007 were identified via tumor registry (n=292) and linked to electronic medical records, automated medical claims, and Census tract information. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the factors associated with survival.

Of 292 stage IIIB-IV patients, 82 (28%) had PS 3 or 4, and 39% of PS 3-4 patients received first line chemotherapy. Those who received chemotherapy lived 4.8 months compared to 2.4 months for those who did not. Factors associated with a reduced likelihood of death included receipt of chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64), and female gender (HR, 0.71). Modern chemotherapy may be associated with positive effects on survival for poor PS patients, as for good PS patients. Further trials, especially randomized trials, in this neglected subgroup are indicated.