Early osteosclerotic changes predict chemotherapy response in non-small-cell lung cancer patients with bone metastases

ObjectivesTo explore the relationship between osteosclerotic changes and chemotherapy response in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with bone metastases (BM).MethodsFifty-two NSCLC patients with BM were enrolled from 1 January 2010-31 June 2015 and divided into two groups based on their CT features: an osteosclerotic change (OC) group and a no-osteosclerotic change (NOC) group. The disease control rate (DCR) was evaluated, and progression-free survival (PFS) was analysed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to analyse the factors that could affect PFS.ResultsOsteosclerotic changes were observed in 35/52 patients. The median interval when osteosclerotic changes occurred was 2 months (range 1-3 months) after chemotherapy. The OC group had a significantly higher 3-month DCR than the NOC group (p < 0.001). The OC group had a higher 1-year PFS rate than the NOC group (1-year PFS: 74.9% vs. 30.2%, p < 0.001). Univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that pathological subtype (HR = 4.419; 95% CI = 1.635-11.941, p = 0.003) and osteosclerotic changes (HR = 0.199; 95% CI = 0.083-0.477, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of PFS.ConclusionEarly osteosclerotic changes predict chemotherapy response in NSCLC patients with BM.Key Points center dot Osteosclerotic changes were prevalent CT features after chemotherapy in NSCLC patients.center dot Osteosclerotic changes were positively related to increased 3-month DCR.center dot Osteosclerotic changes were positively related to increased 1-year PFS rate.