Prognostic Classification with Laboratory Parameters or Imaging Techniques in Small-Cell Lung Cancer

PurposeOur aim in this study was to compare prognostic models based on laboratory tests with a model including imaging information in small-cell lung cancer.Patients and MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 156 consecutive patients. Three existing models based on laboratory tests and performance status (PS) and a model based on disease stage assessed by imaging techniques and PS were tested with Cox regression analysis.ResultsThe 3 laboratory-based models and the imaging-based model were significant in predicting prognosis in our patient group, with hazard ratios of 1.6–3 for medium prognosis groups and 2.6–6.1 for poor prognosis groups compared with good prognosis groups. Models based on laboratory tests appear to predict survival probabilities at least as well as a model with information from imaging techniques.ConclusionPrognostic models using PS and laboratory tests provide a similar estimation of survival of patients with small-cell lung cancer as the combination of PS and disease stage assessed by imaging tests.