Post‐operative survival and functional status of patients with lung malignancy who presented primarily with brain metastasis in a tertiary referral centre

Abstract

AbstractAimThis study aims to review the outcome of patients who have had surgical excision of brain metastasis from undiagnosed lung cancer.MethodsThis is a retrospective case series of all patients who had resection of brain metastasis from lung cancer. Data were retrieved from a computer registry. Patient demographics, pre‐operative condition, choice of treatment and post‐operative outcome were studied.ResultsA total of 45 patients were identified within the study period. The median age of these patients was 61 years. After the operation, 71% of the patients had no neurological deficit and 80% attained a Karnofsky Performance Score of at least 70. There was no serious complication requiring reoperation. Median survival was 15 months and 3‐year radiological progression‐free survival rate was 56%. In terms of overall survival, there was no statistical difference between the groups of patients aged below or above 65 years as well as patients with one or multiple brain metastases.ConclusionsPatients with brain metastasis having the primary presentation of lung malignancy enjoy a reasonable functionality and survival after brain metastasis excision. More aggressive treatment for the brain metastasis should be considered.