Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: Identification of prognostic factors is helpful in selecting optimal treatment for centrally-located non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to detect prognostic factors in patients with centrally-located NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: NSCLCs in the hilar area requiring pneumonectomy or sleeve lobectomy for complete removal are defined as centrally-located NSCLCs. We retrospectively investigated the clinical courses of 45 patients with such lesions. RESULTS: Sleeve lobectomies were performed on 33 patients and pneumonectomies on 12. Three and five-year survival rates were 72% and 62%, respectively. Presence of comorbidities (p=0.013), severe symptoms (p=0.001), high white cell count (p=0.001), and pathological T3-4 stage (p=0.004) were identified as independent predictors of poor prognosis. Operative procedures did not correlate with outcomes (p=0.722). CONCLUSION: Presence of comorbidities, severe symptoms, high white cell counts, and pathological T stage are independent predictors of poor prognosis. These data can contribute in selecting appropriate treatments for such lesions.