THE VALUE OF LUNG-FUNCTION MEASUREMENTS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF CHEMOTHERAPY IN LUNG-CANCER PATIENTS

A retrospective analysis of lung function changes in lung cancer patie nts (NSCLC and SCLC) receiving various chemotherapy regimens, showed-s tatistically non significant-improvements of some parameters in respon ders, especially FEV1 and VC (mean increase of 230 and 310 ml after th ree cycles of chemotherapy), while stable values were observed in non responders. The majority of patients suffered from a decline in diffus ing capacity, irrespective of response. Although the specificity and s ensitivity of this functional evaluation are too low to allow lung fun ction parameters to replace more conventional staging procedures, impr ovement in lung function in responders might indicate that chemotherap y can improve quality of life. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.