Prognostic factors in patients with small cell lung carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The current prognosis in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is unsatisfactory, even though there have been considerable improvements in diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients with small cell lung carcinoma between 1995 and 2007 in a Turkish chest hospital. A total of 116 SCLC patients initially presented with limited disease, while 92 small cell lung carcinoma patients were found to be extensive. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients (18 women and 190 men) was 56 years. The median survival was 74 weeks. Performance status, superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS), stage, elevated white blood cell count, elevated lactate dehidrogenase levels, short symptom duration (