2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - Posters-P3.13C.05 Relationship Between Tumor Volume and Clinical Outcomes in Relapsed SCLC

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This study examines the relationship between tumor volume and clinical outcomes in patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Conducted by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, it involved a retrospective analysis of 93 patients from a thoracic oncology database. Tumor volume was measured at relapse using CT imaging and MIM software, and its correlation with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Cox Proportional Hazards regression.<br /><br />Key findings indicate that tumor volume is significantly associated with overall survival in a non-linear manner (p=0.0064). Specifically, as tumor volume increases, the hazard ratios for mortality also increase, suggesting that larger tumors at relapse are associated with worse survival outcomes. The study highlights bleak clinical outcomes for SCLC patients but notes potential improvements through earlier detection and treatment of relapse, with particular attention to circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a promising diagnostic tool.<br /><br />Future research directions proposed include assessing whether earlier initiation of systemic therapy at lower tumor volumes can consistently improve PFS and OS. Additionally, further evaluation of ctDNA's role in early detection and treatment of relapsed SCLC is recommended.<br /><br />Demographic data of the study cohort revealed a median age of 72 years, with a slight majority of female participants and a predominant representation of White or Caucasian individuals. Most patients were diagnosed at stage IV, and nearly half were current smokers at diagnosis.<br /><br />This research underscores the critical need for timely interventions and advanced detection methods, such as ctDNA, to potentially enhance clinical outcomes for relapsed SCLC patients. The study provides significant insights into the prognostic implications of tumor volume and lays groundwork for future therapeutic strategies.

Asset Subtitle

Matthew Lu

Meta Tag

Speaker Matthew Lu

Topic SCLC & Neuroendocrine Tumors

Keywords

tumor volume

small cell lung cancer

clinical outcomes

relapsed SCLC

Vanderbilt University

CT imaging

progression-free survival

overall survival

circulating tumor DNA

early detection