Validation of the LENT score in Japanese sample: The impact of EGFR-TKI

Background: The LENT scoring system is a new prognostic score in malignant pleural effusion. We try to validate the scoring system in our hospital. Methods: Medical records were surveyed from January, 2012 to December. Thirty-three patients were examined pleural effusion and proven malignant. Twenty-seven of them were completely checked the LENT score and their surviving days, and they were divided into median risk group and high risk group. Results: Median risk group gave median (IQR) survivals of 55days (36-73, n=11) and high risk group gave 299 (163-651, n=16) days, respectively. In our study, 14 (87.5%) cases in high risk group were lung adenocarcinoma, and they could use EGFR-TKI and survive more than 6 months. Conclusion: LENT score might be a very good prognostic score, but it should be more concerned about the tumor type, especially in lung cancer.