Primary Lung Cancer in Non-Smoking Women: A Retrospective Analysis at CHU Hassan II, Fez

Background: Lung cancer among female never-smokers constitutes a distinct clinicopathological entity with rising incidence. This study aims to characterize the epidemiological, histopathological, therapeutic, and outcome features of primary lung cancer in non-smoking women treated at CHU Hassan II, Fez.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of medical records of female never-smokers diagnosed with primary lung cancer between [insert study period]. Variables analyzed included age, histology, stage (according to the 8th edition TNM), treatment modalities, EGFR mutation status, and clinical outcomes.

Results: Mean age at diagnosis was 58 years (range: 28–82). Adenocarcinoma was predominant. At presentation, 62.9 % had metastatic disease, with brain involvement most common. Only 2.9 % had surgical resection; 22.9 % received curative chemoradiotherapy; 44.1 % received palliative radiotherapy. EGFR testing was conducted in 7 patients; 5 (71.4 %) were positive, and 3 received EGFR-targeted therapy. At median follow-up of 42 months: complete remission (2.9 %), partial remission (11.4 %), stable disease (17.1 %), progression (34.3 %), metastatic relapse (16 %), and 3-year mortality of 74.3 %.

Conclusion: Adenocarcinoma predominance and high EGFR mutation frequency corroborate global trends in never-smoking women with lung cancer. These findings highlight the need for molecular diagnostics, tailored therapy, and public health interventions for this demographic.