WCLC 2025 - Posters & ePosters-EP.13.04 Patients With Limited Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer Detected Through Lung Cancer Screening May Have Improved Survival

EP.13.04 Patients With Limited Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer Detected Through Lung Cancer Screening May Have Improved Survival

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This study, presented by Juhi Gor, MD, from the University of Illinois Chicago Department of Thoracic Oncology, investigates survival outcomes in patients with limited stage (LS) small cell lung cancer (SCLC) detected through a lung cancer screening (LCS) program. SCLC is known for its aggressive nature and poor prognosis, often progressing rapidly to extensive stage disease. The research aims to assess whether early detection via screening improves survival.<br /><br />A retrospective chart review was conducted involving 1,743 lung cancer patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2024 at UI Health. Of these, 164 had SCLC, with 45 classified as limited stage (stage I-III). Among the LS SCLC cases, 6 were diagnosed through the LCS program and 39 outside the screening program. Data collected included demographics, diagnosis dates, disease characteristics, and survival outcomes. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Fisher’s exact test.<br /><br />Results showed a notable, though not statistically significant, difference in overall survival (OS) favoring those diagnosed through screening. The LCS group had a median OS of approximately 4.2 years (1,537 days), compared to 1.6 years (589 days) in the non-LCS group (p=0.13). Demographic distributions, including race and smoking history, were similar between groups.<br /><br />The study concludes that LS SCLC detected early via lung cancer screening may have substantially improved survival outcomes, challenging the traditional view of rapid SCLC progression. While sample size was small, the pronounced numerical OS improvement supports further investigation. Future plans include expanding the sample size and collaborating with MD Anderson Cancer Center to analyze a larger patient cohort to confirm these findings.<br /><br />In summary, early detection of limited stage SCLC through lung cancer screening programs shows promise for enhancing survival and warrants additional research.

Asset Subtitle

Juhi Gor

Meta Tag

Speaker Juhi Gor

Topic Small Cell Lung Cancer and Neuroendocrine Tumors

Keywords

Limited Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Screening

Survival Outcomes

Early Detection

Kaplan-Meier Analysis

Retrospective Chart Review

University of Illinois Chicago

MD Anderson Cancer Center Collaboration

Median Overall Survival

Screening Program Impact