Stage 4 lung cancer survival rate by age
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Stage 4 Lung Cancer Survival Rate by Age
Overview of Stage 4 Lung Cancer Survival Rates
Stage 4 lung cancer, also known as metastatic lung cancer, is characterized by the spread of cancer beyond the lungs to other parts of the body. Survival rates for this advanced stage are significantly lower compared to earlier stages. The survival rate is influenced by various factors, including age, performance status, and genetic mutations.
One-Year Survival Rates and Age Correlation
A study analyzing data from the National Cancer Registration Service in England found that one-year relative survival rates for lung cancer decrease significantly with advancing stage at diagnosis. The study highlighted that both stage and age are critical factors affecting survival rates. Older patients diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer have a notably lower one-year survival rate compared to younger patients, emphasizing the impact of age on prognosis.
Five-Year Survival Rates and Age-Related Factors
In a comprehensive study conducted by the Korean Association of Lung Cancer Registry (KALC-R), the five-year relative survival rates for lung cancer were examined. The study revealed that the five-year survival rate for stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was approximately 10%, while for small cell lung cancer (SCLC), it was around 4%. The research also identified old age as an independent risk factor for both NSCLC and SCLC, further underscoring the detrimental effect of age on survival outcomes.
Genetic Mutations and Survival Rates
Interestingly, the presence of specific genetic mutations can influence survival rates in stage 4 lung cancer patients. For instance, patients with stage 4 adenocarcinoma who have an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) translocation exhibit higher five-year survival rates compared to those without these mutations. Specifically, the five-year survival rate for patients with EGFR mutations was 19%, and for those with ALK translocations, it was 38%, compared to 11% for patients without these mutations.
Conclusion
The survival rate for stage 4 lung cancer is significantly influenced by the patient's age, with older patients experiencing lower survival rates. Additionally, genetic factors such as EGFR mutations and ALK translocations can improve survival outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies to enhance survival rates for stage 4 lung cancer patients.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic