Lung Function Predicts Survival in Cancer Patients
Baseline pulmonary function impairment predicts overall survival in lung cancer patients.
Brief
Demonstrated that pulmonary function and lung volumes at diagnosis are independent prognostic markers in non-small cell lung cancer, based on the Boston Lung Cancer Study, an ongoing cancer epidemiology cohort established since 1992. Findings highlight the value of lung function tests at diagnosis for guiding prognosis. This work inspired further projects probing the biological mechanisms behind functional impairments and their link to biological aging.
Key Publications
- Zhai et al.. Spirometry at Diagnosis and Overall Survival in NSCLC Patients. Cancer Medicine 2022. doi:10.1002/cam4.4808
- Zhai et al.. Residual Volume and Total Lung Capacity at Diagnosis Predict Overall Survival in NSCLC Patients. Cancer Medicine 2025. doi:10.1002/cam4.70962
Status: Published • Continuing to explore prognostic factors with the goal of improving survival outcomes and reducing the global lung cancer burden.