[Prognostic analysis of advanced non small cell lung cancer treated by sequential chemo-radiation therapy combined with traditional Chinese medicine: a report of 54 cases].

ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of fewer course s and prolonged intervals of chemotherapy on survival rate of advanced non small c ell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated by sequential chemo-radiation therapy combined with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). MethodsFrom Ja n.2000 to Dec.2001,54 untreated advanced NSCLC patients(2 stage Ⅲa,18 stage Ⅲb,34 stage Ⅳ) were treated by sequential chemo-radiation therapy combined with TCM. The courses of chemotherapy were reduced and the intervals of chemothe rapy were longer than that of the standard regimen. The efficacy and survival ra te were documented and the prognostic factors were analyzed. ResultsWTBZ Complete remission(CR)was observed in 1 case and partial remission(PR)in 20 cases. The overall objective response rate was 40.4%. Median survival was 15. 3 months,1-,2- and 3- year survival rate were 53.7%,28.9% and 9.6% respect ively. The median survival of stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ were 21.8 months and 12.5 months r espectively. The 1-,2-,and 3- year survival rates of stage Ⅲ were 65.0%, 49.5%,24.7% and that of stage Ⅳ were 47.0%,23.3%,0%,respectively. The quali ty of life was improved in most of the patients. Cox’s proportional hazards reg ression showed that improved quality of life and treatment of TCM were the signi ficant prognostic factors of overall survival. ConclusionChemothe rapy and radiotherapy combined with TCM is beneficial to extending the interval of chemotherapy,improving the quality of life,and increasing the survival rate of advanced NSCLC patients.