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Over the years, doctors have identified numerous factors that play an important role in predicting both the effectiveness of treatment as well as the prognosis (chance of recovery) for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Some of the major prognostic indicators that are used to more accurately predict the prognosis for patients with non-small cell lung cancer include:

• Stage of the disease - As mentioned previously, the TNM staging system is used to determine the extent of spread of non-small cell lung cancer. The stage of the disease is, perhaps, the single most important factor in determining the prognosis. In general, patients with early stage NSCLC have a much better prognosis than those with advanced stage NSCLC.

• Type of NSCLC - The type of NSCLC, as determined by the morphology (form or structure) of the cancer cells under a microscope, may also influence the prognosis. Some studies have shown that patients with the squamous cell carcinoma type of non-small cell lung cancer have a survival advantage as compared to either the adenocarcinoma or large cell carcinoma types of non-small cell lung cancer.

• Karnofsky Performance Status - This test measures the extent of a cancer patient's functional impairment on the basis of their ability to:

  • perform normal activities of daily living
  • work capacity
  • degree of self-reliance (can function independently or need assistance from others).

The Karnofsky Performance Status scores range from 0 to 100. The higher the score, the less the degree of the patient's functional impairment. In general, patients with good performance status have a better prognosis than those with poor performance status.

• Comorbidity - Studies have shown that the presence of co-existing or additional underlying diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, emphysema, kidney disease) has a negative impact on survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

• Other prognostic indicators - A variety of other prognostic indicators may have an impact on survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer including:

  • Elderly age (75 years or older)
  • Tobacco use - continued use of tobacco has a negative impact on survival
  • Weight loss - significant weight loss may have a negative impact on survival