Abstract

The development of new targeted therapies and immunotherapy for lung cancer increased overall survival (OS). In the near future, it is expected an increasing prevalence of long-term lung cancer survivors (LTLCS). Aim: to evaluate the prevalence of LTLCS and their quality of life. Cross-sectional study that included patients diagnosed with primary lung cancer between Jan/2012 and Dec/2016, with OS greater than 5 years (LTLCS). EORTC QLQ-C30 and PHQ-4 questionnaires were applied. Lung cancer was diagnosed in 767 patients, 158(20.6%) LTLCS. The percentage of LTLCS increased every year. Most patients were male and median age at diagnosis 65[56;71] years old. The most frequent histology was adenocarcinoma, 66.2% were diagnosed at early stages and did only one treatment, surgery as the first line of treatment in most patients (61.7%). From 118(74,7%) living patients at the time of the study, 100 answered the questionnaires. The median of global health status was 66.67[50;83], social function had the highest score and emotional function the lowest.  There was no correlation or association with any other demographic or clinical characteristics. The value was ? to the median in 68% of patients. These patients went more frequently to the emergency room and presented more frequently metastatic disease. The PHQ-4 revealed 27% had probable anxiety and 20% probable depression. LTLCS prevalence has increased in recent years. Although median value of global health status was similar to the described for general population, there was a subgroup with lower quality of life. Furthermore, 20-27% of patients probably have anxiety or depression, reinforcing the importance of comorbid and mental health management.