The prognostic factors for long-term (≥5 Years) survival in stage IV Non-small cell lung cancer

Objective. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prognostic factors for long-term survival (> 5 years) in patients with stage IV NSCLC. Methods. We reviewed 66 patients with stage IV NSCLC who were diagnosed at our hospital from 10/1/2002 to 9/30/2010. Results. In comparison to 58 patients who survived for < 5 years, 8 patients who survived for > 5 years were more likely to have an EGFR mutation positive, an early N status (N0, N1), and a single metastatic site. Age < 75 years, an early N status (N0, N1), and the absence of liver metastasis were independent prognostic factors. Among the patients who survived for >5 years, the rate of EGFR-TKI use was higher, the rate of disease control in patients who were treated with both cytotoxic drugs and an EGFR-TKI was higher, and progression-free survival was longer in patients who were treated with cytotoxic drugs and an EGFR-TKI in comparison to patients who survived for < 5 years. Conclusion. Our results suggest that age <75 years, an early N status (N0, N1), and the absence of liver metastasis may contribute to long-term survival in patients with stage IV NSCLC. We should take these results into consideration when deciding aggressive therapy.