Intensive Care in Patients with Lung Cancer: A Multinational Study

This multicenter prospective study evaluated indications for and outcomes of ICU admission for 449 patients with lung cancer.  Most patients had a newly diagnosed lung cancer, and the most common indication for ICU admission was airway compromise.  Hospital and 6-month mortality rates were 39% and 55%.  Determinants of mortality were severity of organ system dysfunction, recurrent or progressive cancer, poor performance status, and cancer-related complications. Mortality was lower in high volume centers.