In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pleural effusion is a frequentl
y observed complication, and often provides a treatment difficulties.
The aim of this study is to evaluate prognostic significance of pleura
l effusion in patients with NSCLC. Materials and Methods: Seven hundre
d and eight untreated patients with NSCLC who were consecutively admit
ted to our department over a 20 year period up to December 1996, were
analyzed using uni-and multivariate analyses. Results: Univariate anal
ysis showed pleural effusion to be a significant prognostic factor for
NSCLC, in addition to gender stage, performance status(PS). Multivari
ate analysis proved pleural effusion to be one of the significant prog
nostic factors, especially in patients with poor PS. Conclusion: Adequ
ate palliative care to provide prolonged quality survival remains the
primary goal of therapy for patients with poor performance status and
pleural effusion until better treatments are developed.