Distinctive characteristics of non-small cell lung cancer in younger patients: A national cancer database (NCDB) analysis of patients under 40 years old (1998–2003)

Abstract

18035 Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is disease of the elderly and is rare in younger adults. NSCLC in younger patients may be biologically different and have a different presentation and natural history. Methods: We identified in the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB), all patients diagnosed with NSCLC from 1998 to 2003. NCDB is a cancer database maintained by the American College of Surgeons. The NCDB data is obtained from the cancer programs participating in the Commission on Cancer NCDB annual call for data. Data on gender, race, stage and histology were obtained from the NCDB. The characteristics of patients with NSCLC from 16–39 years of age were compared to the entire group. Results: In the NCDB, 551248 patients with NSCLC diagnosed from 1998- 2003 were identified. Of these 4093 were in the age group 16–39. We compared the characteristics of NSCLC in younger group to the entire cohort (Table). Younger patients were more likely to be women, 52% vs 42% (p<0.001), and more likely to present with distant disease (stage 3 & 4) 75% vs 61% (p<0.001). Adenocarcinoma was more common in younger patients, 48% respectively, vs. 38%. Squamous cell carcinoma was far less common in younger patients, 12% vs 28% (p<0.001). Conclusions: Patients with NSCLC who are < 40 years old at diagnosis are more likely to be women and have adenocarcinoma histology. Younger patients present with advanced stage more often than those who are older than 40 years at diagnosis. Table: Characteristics of younger patients with NSCLC [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.