Short summary

In this study, we aim to investigate to what extent the new reference values for predicted FEV1 affect the pre-operative assessment of patients with early-stage NSCLC who are qualified for surgery.

Rationale

Every year 2.2 million people get diagnosed with lung cancer, which, according to WHO, is the deadliest type of cancer worldwide. Before surgery, a risk assessment must be done, which includes lung function. The lung function is measured by forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and diffusing capacity of the lung carbon monoxide (DLCO). The measured values in liters are converted into percent of predicted when compared to the lung function of the patients with compatible healthy subjects. If the values of FEV1 and DLCO-SB are under 40% of predicted another treatment approach than surgery should be strongly considered. Hence, the determination of lung function and measured percent of predicted values is an essential step when determining the choice of treatment for early-stage NSCLC. In 2012 the Global Lung Initiative published new equations for calculating predicted lung function values, which have since been widely implemented. However, the current guidelines on pre-operative lung function assessment from the European Respiratory Society (ERS) are from 2009 based on the former reference values. Currently, we have no knowledge of whether values calculated using GLI are comparable to the values used in the guidelines.

Description of the cohort

Patients treated for lung cancer with curative intent at Odense University Hospital will be identified via the Danish Lung Cancer Registry.

Data and biological material

Patient records will be searched for information on: Age, comorbidities, performance status, TNM status, final diagnosis, treatment, lung function, height, and weight.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine & PET, Centre of Diagnostic Investigation and University of Copenhagen

• Jann Mortensen, MD, DMSc, Senior physician, professor of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine

Department of Clinical Medicine, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital

• Morten Bendixen, PhD, consultant