Cohort study examines survival differences based on metastatic site in non-small cell lung cancer, suggesting implications for staging.
Key Points
To investigate how the site of single-organ metastasis affects survival in patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Analyzed data from the SEER database for adults with stage IV metastatic NSCLC with single-organ involvement.
Used Kaplan–Meier methods for survival estimation and log-rank tests for site comparisons.
Employed multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to assess associations with overall survival and cancer-specific survival.
Liver metastasis in nonsquamous NSCLC linked to worse overall survival (HR 1.915, 95% CI 1.671-2.195, P<0.001) and cancer-specific survival (HR 1.933, 95% CI 1.670-2.237, P<0.001).
Brain metastasis in squamous NSCLC associated with worse overall survival (HR 1.966, 95% CI 1.712-2.258, P<0.001) and cancer-specific survival (HR 2.176, 95% CI 1.881-2.516, P<0.001).
Incorporating metastatic site may enhance risk stratification beyond the TNM staging system.