SURGICAL-TREATMENT OF NONSMALL CELL LUNG-CANCER IN PATIENTS 70 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER

Background. Indications to surgical treatment of lung cancer in the el derly are still being discussed. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative complications and survival after surgery for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients 70 years of age or older. Methods . During a 4 year and 6 month period, 76 patients (67 men and 9 women) entered the study. Results. Postoperative complications occurred in 1 5 cases (19.7 %) and the 30-day operative mortality was 1.3%. The over all 54 month actuarial survival was 53%. Mortality at 12 months wasn't related to stage of disease, histology or lobectomy versus wedge rese ction but was higher in those patients who had had postoperative cardi opulmonary complications. Results of preoperative spirometry, blood ga s and cardiac status were predictive of mortality at twelve months (p< 0.05). Conclusions. Surgery for NSCLC in the elderly should not be den ied on the basis of age alone. Postoperative outcome is mainly related to concomitant cardiopulmonary disease.