Objective To identify the indicators associated with poor prognosis by retrospectively analyzing the clinical data of 129 patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) complicated by brain metastases (BMs).

Methods We retrospectively assessed the clinical data of 129 LUAD patients with BMs who met the inclusion criteria. Follow-up was conducted through electronic medical record review and telephone consultations. Univariate survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method with corresponding survival curves. Statistically significant variables identified in the univariate analysis were subsequently incorporated into a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model to further identify independent adverse prognostic factors affecting the survival of LUAD patients with BMs.

Results The following factors were significantly associated with patient survival prognosis (P<0.05): pathological morphology, KPS score, number of BMs, presence of genetic variations, quantity of genetic variations, type of genetic variations, EGFR mutation status, Cyfra-211, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at initial diagnosis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that pathological morphology, KPS score, number of BMs, NLR at initial diagnosis, and presence of genetic variations served as independent prognostic factors for LUAD patients with BMs (P<0.05). Further analysis of the survival conditions of different treatment subgroups revealed that combined therapy could significantly increase the median survival period of patients, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.034).

Conclusion Solid and complex glandular structures, KPS score <80, ≥3 BMs, elevated NLR levels at initial diagnosis, and the presence of genetic alterations are identified as independent poor prognostic factors for LUAD patients with BMs. Combination therapy can significantly prolong the survival of patients.