The influence of comorbidity and the simplified comorbidity score on overall survival in non-small cell lung cancer - A prospective cohort study

Abstract

Introduction: We addressed the uncertainty of comorbidity as a prognosticator by evaluating comorbidity and the Simplified Comorbidity Score (SCS) as predictors of overall survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A prospective study included patients in whom NSCLC was diagnosed at an Australian cancer hospital between 2012 and 2014. Patients were assessed for SCS at recruitment and followed up every 3 months until death. Results: The cohort included 633 patients; their median age was 67 years (range 28-93), 63% were male, and 86% were ever-smokers. The median SCS at enrolment was 8 (range 0-19); 20%had an SCS higher than 9, and 11%had an SCS of 0. An SCS higher than 9 was ass..