Background and aim. Lung cancer is one of the most common tumours and the cause of cancer-related
deaths in European countries. In the past few years, a significant morbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) has been noticed in this group of patients. Cigarette smoking is the strongest risk factor
for both conditions. The palliative care of lung cancer patients is often based solely on the tumour symptoms'
management, whereas some patients would benefit from the combined treatment including the
treatment for COPD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of COPD in advanced (TNM = IIIB
and IV) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.
Material and methods. The study was a retrospective analysis. One hundred four patients (28 women and
76 men, aged from 47 to 74 years, mean: 63.2 years) with advanced NSCLC were included in the study.
Results. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (according to GOLD criteria) was diagnosed in 26 cases
(25%), including 1 mild, 17 moderate and 8 with severe or very severe disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease was significantly more frequent in squamous cell lung carcinoma in comparison to other types
(p = 0.009).
Conclusions. Coexistence of lung cancer and COPD is frequent. Therefore, it is important to consider the
treatment for COPD in palliative care of advanced lung cancer patients.Background and aim. Lung cancer is one of the most common tumours and the cause of cancer-related
deaths in European countries. In the past few years, a significant morbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) has been noticed in this group of patients. Cigarette smoking is the strongest risk factor
for both conditions. The palliative care of lung cancer patients is often based solely on the tumour symptoms'
management, whereas some patients would benefit from the combined treatment including the
treatment for COPD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of COPD in advanced (TNM = IIIB
and IV) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.
Material and methods. The study was a retrospective analysis. One hundred four patients (28 women and
76 men, aged from 47 to 74 years, mean: 63.2 years) with advanced NSCLC were included in the study.
Results. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (according to GOLD criteria) was diagnosed in 26 cases
(25%), including 1 mild, 17 moderate and 8 with severe or very severe disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease was significantly more frequent in squamous cell lung carcinoma in comparison to other types
(p = 0.009).
Conclusions. Coexistence of lung cancer and COPD is frequent. Therefore, it is important to consider the
treatment for COPD in palliative care of advanced lung cancer patients
