The Role of Early Diagnosis and Intervention in Improving Outcomes for Lung Cancer

Abstract

Introduction : For lung cancer patients, early diagnosis and treatments are essential to battering outcomes. The objective of this world is to compare early diagnosis vs late diagnosis in terms of overall survival ,progression _free survival, quality of life and adverse events associated to treatment. Methodology: A Prospective cohort trial of seventy_ eight lung cancer patients was Conducted at Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar from December 2021 to March 2024. 39 patients had early diagnosis (n=39) while 39 received late diagnosis(n=39) . Low_ dose Computed Tomography (DCT) screening and prompt symptom presentation lead to early diagnosis; incidental or symptomatic results were the basis for late diagnosis. Overall Survival(OS) , progression_ free survival (PFS), quality of life(QoL) , and frequency of serious adverse events associated to therapy were the outcomes. Results: At a median 'OS of 38 months compared to 14 months in the late diagnosis group (p<0.001) and median PFS of 34 months compared to 10 months(p<0.001), the early diagnosis group showed noticeably superior results. At 12 months, 'the early diagnosis group had a better QoL scores' a mean global health status of 75 compared to 55(p<0.01). Early diagnosis group (18%) had a lower frequency of serious adverse effects than did the late diagnosis group(45%). Conclusion: In patients with lung cancer, early detection and intervention greatly increases survival rates, prolong intervals without progression, improves quality of life, and lower serious side effects associated to therapy. The results emphasized the need of early diagnosis techniques and efficient screening programs in the treatment of lung cancer. Keywords: lung Cancer, early diagnosis, low dose computed tomography, overall survival, progression free survival, quality of life, treatment related adverse events