Prognostic Factors and Survival Outcomes in Lung Cancer Patients with Brain Metastasis: A Retrospective Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Brain metastases (BM) are a serious complication in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), affecting up to 40% of patients and contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. Although historically linked to poor prognoses, advancements in systemic and local therapies such as immunotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)—have improved survival rates. Objective: This study aimed to valuate prognostic factors and survival outcomes in NSCLC patients with BM. Methods: This retrospective study examined 110 NSCLC patients with BM treated with whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) diagnosed between 2018 to 2022. Eligible patients had pathologically confirmed NSCLC, imaging-verified BM, and documented clinical data. Survival outcomes were analyzed via the Kaplan-Meier method, while Cox proportional hazards regression identified significant prognostic indicators influencing overall survival (OS). Results: The median patient age was 57.2 years, with adenocarcinoma as the predominant histology (61.8%). Most patients (87.2%) had extracranial metastases (ECM) at BM diagnosis, and 70% received systemic therapy. Median OS was 13 months, with improved survival (median OS: 18 months) observed in those receiving localized treatment alongside WBRT. Prognostic factors included metastatic timing (P < 0.001), number of brain metastases (P = 0.045), local treatment modality (P = 0.039) and post-BM systemic therapy (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Prognostic factors influencing survival in NSCLC patients with BM included metastatic timing, lesion count, treatment modality and systemic therapy. Patients receiving localized treatment with WBRT had better survival. The high prevalence of ECM (87.2%) highlights the systemic nature of NSCLC, emphasizing the need for comprehensive therapeutic approaches.
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4417533838
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