[Retrospective investigation of clinical presentation of lung cancer patients before and after treatment discontinuation].

Introduction: There is no clear answer as to how long we should continue aggressive treatment for progressive lung cancer.

Purpose: An ideal way to conduct and discontinue aggressive treatment was examined from the viewpoint of quality of life and the remaining lifespan after treatment discontinuation.

Material & Methods: We began systemic chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy from January 2003 to December 2007, based on our pathological diagnosis of lung cancer. Then, in 30 patients who thereafter stopped aggressive treatment, we retrospectively investigated the content and period of aggressive treatment, and clinical presentation before and after they discontinued their treatment. In addition, the factors important for quality of life and the prognosis after the treatment discontinuation were analyzed.

Result: For quality of life and the remaining lifespan after the treatment discontinuation, it was found important to avoid serious adverse effects of treatment and watch out for performance status decrease during the treatment period. Then, after the treatment discontinuation, it was thought to be important to pay attention not only to the cancer progression but also the complications arising from other diseases including pneumonia.