Long-term survival in small-cell carcinoma of the lung: a population experience

Small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is a rapidly progressive and fatal disease. Historically, surgical resection or radiotherapy of the primary tumor has done little to prolong survival, although the use of combination chemotherapy is more effective. Reported here is the survival experience of 1,538 incident cases of SCLC identified through the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program in western Washington State from 1974 to 1982. The survival experience of this population series is similar to that reported from specialized referral centers. For 71 of 78 persons surviving at least 24 months, the original diagnostic slides were independently reviewed, 47 cases being confirmed as SCLC. No differences were found in actuarial survival estimates between those confirmed and those not confirmed as SCLC. Multivariate survival analysis was conducted to estimate the effects on survival of stage, therapy, age, sex, primary site, and histologic type. All factors except primary site and histologic type significantly influence initial survival rates. However, the only factor related to post--two-year (ie, long-term) survival, once stage is accounted for, is whether surgery was received as a first course of therapy. Those not receiving surgery were at four times the risk of death as those who did. These results indicate that long-term survival can be achieved in patients with SCLC treated in the community, and that the chance of surviving an additional two years for such patients is approximately 40%.