Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of dexamethasone (Dex) on treatment outcomes in chemotherapy-treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. METHODS: A total of 123 advanced NSCLC patients undergoing chemotherapy were enrolled. The control group received chemotherapy alone, while the research group was administered Dex in combination with chemotherapy. Short-term treatment efficacy, adverse reaction rates, humoral immunity, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), quality of life, and treatment adherence were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify variables influencing short-term treatment efficacy. RESULTS: The two groups were equivalent in the objective response rate, disease control rate, and overall side effects rate (all P > 0.05), though the incidences of nausea/vomiting were reduced (P < 0.05). Post-treatment evaluations revealed elevated humoral immunity markers, improved quality of life scores, and better treatment adherence in the research group (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, VEGF and HIF-1α expression were suppressed in the research group (both P < 0.05). Regression analysis identified Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS; OR=2.277), VEGF (OR=5.241), and HIF-1α (OR=2.687) as independent factors influencing short-term treatment efficacy (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dex administration in chemotherapy-treated advanced NSCLC patients improves clinical outcomes and enhances quality of life.