Patients profile, pattern of presentation and response rate to first line chemotherapy in Iraqi patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, it comprises small cell and non-small cell subtypes. Small cell lung cancer carries a poorer prognosis, and it is mainly caused by cigarette smoking.Objectives: To assess response rate of extensive stage small cell lung cancer to first line chemotherapy and assess patient profile with pattern of presentation in Iraqi patients.Method: A cross-sectional study for small cell lung cancer patients who were treated at oncology teaching hospital, from January 1st 2020 to September 30th 2020 and included 30 patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer.Results: Sixty patients with small cell lung cancer were interviewed, 30 patients of them were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 58.27±9.71years. Males represented more than three quarters of the patients (76.67%). The male female ratio was 1:0.3. The mean weight, height and body mass index of the patients were 67.2±12.52 kg, 168.93±8.8 cm and 23.48±3.58 kg/m2, respectively. Almost all patients were either ex-smokers or current smokers. Cough was the most common presentation encountered in 11 patients (36.67%). Eight patients (26.67%) showed no response to the treatment, while 22 patients (73.3%) had clinical benefit of which 10 patients (33.33%) were stable, 10 patients (33.33%) had partial response and two patients (6.67%) had complete remission. Mean progression free survival time was 6.71±1.5 months, 95%CI= 5.83-7.6. After three months, in 8 patients (26.67%) the disease progressed, while almost all other patients had progression free survival till 7-9 months after treatment.Conclusion: Extensive stage small cell lung cancer is an aggressive disease that is chemosensitive but rapidly progressive in Iraqi patients. It is adherent to tobacco exposure with male to female ratio of 1:0.3. Affected population is mostly middle age group, presenting with cough.