Survival rate of patients with lung and breast cancer and malignant pleural effusions

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Cancer Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.

2 General practitioner, Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.

3 Associate Professor of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Research Development Unite of Rouhani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.

4 PhD in Biostatistics, Clinical Research Development Unite of Rouhani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.

5 Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

10.22038/mjms.2025.80052.4614

Abstract

Introduction:Malignant pleural effusion as a comorbidity reduces the survival of cancer patients. Lung cancer in men and breast cancer in women are the most common malignancies associated with pleural effusion.This study was conducted with the aim of determining the survival of lung/breast cancer patients with malignant pleural effusion and investigating its related factors.

Methods:A retrospective cohort study conducted in patients with lung and breast cancer with malignant pleural effusion who referred to Rouhani Hospital during2011-2018.Demographic information and history of chemotherapy were determined and recorded by reading the file and the current status(dead/alive) by phone. Finally, the survival rate was calculated.

Results:Out of 83 patients with pleural effusion,57 patients had lung cancer and 26 had breast cancer. The mean age was 64.27 years and 36.1% were male.The median survival rate in all patients,lung cancer patients and breast cancer patients was 113,86 and 199.5 days, respectively. Age over 70 years and male gender and not receiving chemotherapy were associated with survival, but the type of cancer had no significant association.The analysis showed the chemotherapy was independently associated with a higher survival rate in all patients as well as lung or breast cancer patients.

Conclusion:In this study,for the first time in Iran, the survival rate of patients with malignant pleural effusion was investigated;results showed history of chemotherapy is an independent predictor of survival rate. The results help to predict the survival of lung and breast cancer patients with malignant pleural effusion, as well as to choose the appropriate treatment for these patients.

Keywords

References

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Medical Journal of Mashhad university of Medical Sciences
Volume 68, Issue 1
March and April 2025
Pages 19-31

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