Growth rate versus prognosis in resected primary bronchogenic carcinomas

In 22 patients, growth rates of primary bronchogenic carcinomas could be calculated at the time of diagnosis. Six patients were regarded as inoperable. Sixteen underwent definitive pulmonary resection and were followed till death or to a minimum of 5 years after operation. Four patients undergoing resection showed tumor doubling times under 80 days; all died within 22 months. Seven showed doubling times of 80 to 150 days; three of these died in 23 to 27 months, and four are living at over 5 years. Five showed doubling times over 150 days; one died of recurrence at 56 months, two died of myocardial infarction, and two have shown no recurrence. In this small series, tumor growth rate appears to correlate well with the probability of surgical cure. Patients not surgically cured showed increased postoperative survival in each category of growth rates.