2022 World Conference on Lung Cancer (ePosters)-EP04.01-003. Is It Time for a New Paradigm in Care of Young Cancer Patients? A Retrospective Study

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The study analyzed the overall survival of young patients with lung cancer and different subgroups to understand the outcome of the disease and potentially modify the criteria for admission to intensive care units (ICU). The advancements in treatment for lung cancer, such as target agents and immunotherapy, have improved the survival of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. However, a significant number of lung cancer patients still seek emergency department care, and ICU admissions among solid cancer patients refer to a significant proportion of lung cancer patients. Physicians struggle with deciding the level of investment in ICU admission, especially for young patients. The study aimed to provide insights into the overall survival of these patients and subgroups to assist in refining ICU admission criteria.<br /><br />The study found different mutations in the tumors of the patients, such as ALK rearrangements, EGFR mutations, KRAS mutations, BRAF mutations, MET amplification/mutation, ROS rearrangements, and other mutations. The survival analysis revealed that lung cancer patients, particularly those who received treatment with targeted agents and immunotherapy, experienced a sustained increase in overall survival, even in advanced stages of the disease. The study emphasizes the importance of systematic molecular characterization of tumors and the development of targeted therapies. The authors believe that ICU admission should not be denied to lung cancer patients based solely on diagnosis and stage. The decision should involve pulmonologists, oncologists, intensivists, and the patient.<br /><br />The study included 44 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, with a median age of 45. The majority were smokers or former smokers. The patients were classified according to the TNM classification, with the majority in stage IV. Treatment analysis revealed the identification of molecular changes in the tumors of 29 patients, with target therapies potentially available for 69% of these patients. PD-L1 expression was also analyzed, and insufficient material was reported in a small percentage of cases. The histology of the lung cancer cases included adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, poorly differentiated carcinoma, and adenosquamous carcinoma.<br /><br />In conclusion, the study highlights the improved overall survival of lung cancer patients, especially those treated with targeted agents and immunotherapy. It suggests that ICU admission criteria should be revised and involve a multidisciplinary approach. The study emphasizes the importance of molecular characterization of tumors and the development of targeted therapies.

Asset Subtitle

Andreina Vasconcelos

Meta Tag

Speaker Andreina Vasconcelos

Topic Global Health, Health Services Research, and Health Economics - Cost Issues

Keywords

overall survival

young patients

lung cancer

subgroups

intensive care units

targeted agents

immunotherapy

emergency department care

ICU admissions

solid cancer patients