Temporal trends in outcomes following sublobar and lobar resections for small (≤2 cm) non–small cell lung cancers—a Surveillance Epidemiology End Results database analysis

Clinical outcome of subcentimeter non-small cell lung cancer after VATS resection: Single institute experience with 424 patients

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presenting as subcentimeter lung tumor was increasing due to the popularity of low dose CT in recent years. However, the ideal surgical management is still controversial. We utilized our lung cancer surgery database to study the important issue, aiming to find the optimal treatment with VATS.

METHODS

From January 2010 to December 2015, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics, staging, operation methods, and outcomes of 424 patients with subcentimeter lung cancer. Three groups distinguished by surgical methods were compared.

RESULTS

There are 273, 57, and 94 undergoing VATS wedge resection, segmentectomy, and lobectomy, respectively. Of the nine recurrence or metastasis events, seven and two occurred within the wedge resection and lobectomy groups, respectively. The average follow-up time is 779 days (2.16 years). Furthermore, 97.4%, 100%, and 97.9% of patients in the wedge resection, segmentectomy, and lobectomy groups, respectively remained tumor-free during follow-up. The complication rate of approximately 1.5% did not differ significantly between the three groups. An obvious difference in disease-free survival between the three groups (p-value = 0.027; -2 log likelihood score and chi-square test). No cases of recurrence or metastasis were observed in the segmentectomy group.

CONCLUSION

Lung cancer with subcentimeter size will be more and more encountered. VATS plays an important role in the management with good post-operative outcome, whether with wedge resection, segmentectomy and lobectomy. However, VATS segmentectomy can deliver 100% overall survival and progression-free survival in our series. Further randomized controlled trial should be conducted to prove the concept.

The role of the ground-glass opacity ratio in resected lung adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to investigate the role of the ground-glass opacity (GGO) ratio in lung adenocarcinoma in predicting surgical outcomes.

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgical resection for pulmonary adenocarcinoma between January 2004 and December 2013 were reviewed. The clinical data, imaging characteristics of nodules, surgical approaches and outcomes were analysed with a mean follow-up of 87 months.

RESULTS

Of 789 enrolled patients, 267 cases were categorized as having a GGO ratio ≥0.75; 522 cases were categorized as having a GGO ratio <0.75. The gender, tumour differentiation, epidermal growth factor receptor mutation, smoking habits, lymphovascular space invasion, tumour size, maximum standard uptake value and carcinoembryonic antigen levels were significantly different in the 2 groups. In the group with a GGO ratio ≥0.75, 63.3% of the patients underwent sublobar resection (18.8% with a GGO ratio < 0.75, P <0.001). These patients had fewer relapses (2.2% for GGO ratio ≥0.75, 26.8% for GGO ratio <0.75, P < 0.001) and a better 5-year survival rate (95.5% for GGO ratio ≥0.75, 77.4% for GGO ratio <0.75, P < 0.001). None of the patients with a GGO ratio ≥0.75 had lymph node involvement. The multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that a GGO ratio <0.75 was an independent factor for postoperative relapse with a hazard ratio of 3.96.

CONCLUSIONS

A GGO ratio ≥0.75 provided a favourable prognostic prediction in patients with resected lung adenocarcinoma. Sublobar resection and lymph node sampling revealed a fair outcome regardless of tumour size. However, anatomical resection is still the standard approach for patients with tumours with a GGO ratio <0.75, size >2 cm.

Correlation between high-resolution computed tomography lung nodule characteristics and EGFR mutation in lung adenocarcinomas

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of EGFR mutation on the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) features in lung adenocarcinoma.

Patients and methods

A total of 121 patients were diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma from January 2014 to December 2016. The correlation of indexes (gender, age, tumor diameter, and EGFR mutation) was analyzed based on the HRCT characteristics of lung adenocarcinoma.

Results

There were 73 cases of EGFR mutation and 48 cases of wild-type EGFR. One hundred and three cases had pleural indentation that was significant in patients with EGFR mutation than those with wild-type EGFR (P=0.038). Forty-two out of 121 cases exhibited the bronchus cutoff sign. Patients with EGFR mutation were likely to develop the bronchus cutoff sign (P=0.017). Sixty-one out of 121 cases exhibited the lobulation sign, which was significant in patients with EGFR mutation than those with wild-type EGFR (P<0.001). A significant correlation was found between lobulation sign and tumor diameter (P=0.024). Forty-eight out of 121 and 23 out of 121 cases showed the vessel and vacuole signs, respectively. However, patients with EGFR mutation did not exert a significant correlation on either of these signs (P=0.555 and P=0.372, respectively). A statistical significance was not observed in indexes such as age, gender, and tumor diameter on pleural indentation, bronchus cutoff sign, vessel sign, and vacuole sign (P>0.05). Age and gender did not vary significantly in the lobulation sign (P>0.05).

Conclusion

HRCT characteristics such as pleural indentation, bronchus cutoff sign, and lobulation sign in lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR mutation were significantly greater than those with wild-type EGFR; however, further study is essential in determining the predictive ability of computed tomography (CT) for EGFR mutations in lung adenocarcinoma.

Application of intrapulmonary wire combined with intrapleural fibrin glue in preoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the accuracy of the preoperative localization of small nodules by computerized tomography (CT)-guided placing wire and intrapleural fibrin glue near the nodules at 3 days before the operation.

METHODS

From October 2015 to December 2017, a total of 79 patients, who received preoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules and surgical treatment in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Hohhot First Hospital, were enrolled into this study. These patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: methylene blue localization group (n = 47), and modified localization group (n = 32), where the patients received preoperative localization of the small nodules by CT-guided placing wire and intrapleural fibrin glue near the nodule at 3 days before the operation. Localization accuracy, operation time and difficulty in postoperative seeking for pathological specimens were compared between these 2 groups.

RESULTS

In the methylene blue localization group, 3 patients had localization failure due to the intrathoracic diffusion of methylene blue, and the success rate was 93.61%. In the modified localization group, all 32 patients succeeded in the localization, and the success rate was 100%. Operation time and difficulty of finding the specimen was significantly lower in the modified localization group than in the methylene blue localization group (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The application of preoperative localization of small nodules by placing wire and intrapleural fibrin glue improves the success rate of resection, reduces operation time and the risk of the operation, and lowers the difficulty of finding pathological specimens after the operation. Hence this operative procedure is worthy of popularization.

A nomogram to predict prognosis in patients undergoing sublobar resection for stage IA non-small-cell lung cancer

Introduction

This study aimed to develop a practical nomogram to predict prognosis in patients who are undergoing sublobar resection for stage IA non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) databases were used to construct the nomogram.

Methods

Data from patients undergoing sublobar resection for stage IA NSCLC diagnosed between 2004 and 2014 were extracted from the SEER database. Factors that may predict the outcome were identified using the Kaplan–Meier method and the Cox proportional-hazards model. A nomogram was constructed to predict the 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) and lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS) rates of these patients. The predictive accuracy of the nomogram was measured using the concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve.

Results

A total of 4,866 patients were selected for this study. Using univariate and multivariate analyses, eight independent prognostic factors associated with OS were identified, including sex (P<0.001), age (P<0.001), race (P=0.043), marital status (P=0.009), pathology (P=0.004), differentiation (P<0.001), tumor size (P<0.001), and surgery (P=0.001), and five independent prognostic factors associated with LCSS were also identified, including sex (P<0.001), age (P<0.001), differentiation (P<0.001), tumor size (P<0.001), and surgery (P=0.011). A nomogram was established based on these results and validated using the internal bootstrap resampling method. The C-index of the established nomogram for OS and LCSS was 0.649 (95% CI: 0.635–0.663) and 0.640 (95% CI: 0.622–0.658), respectively. The calibration curves for probability of 3-, and 5-year OS and LCSS rates demonstrated good agreement between the nomogram prediction and actual observation.

Conclusion

This innovative nomogram delivered a relatively accurate individual prognostic prediction for patients undergoing sublobar resection for stage IA NSCLC.

Perioperative mortality and morbidity after sublobar versus lobar resection for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer: post-hoc analysis of an international, randomised, phase 3 trial (CALGB/Alliance 140503)

BACKGROUND

Increased detection of small-sized, peripheral, non-small-cell lung cancer has renewed interest in sublobar resection instead of lobectomy, the traditional standard of care for early-stage lung cancer. We aimed to assess morbidity and mortality associated with lobar and sublobar resection for early-stage lung cancer.

METHODS

CALGB/Alliance 140503 is a multicentre, international, non-inferiority, phase 3 trial in patients with peripheral non-small-cell lung cancer clinically staged as T1aN0. Patients were recruited from 69 academic and community-based institutions in Australia, Canada, and the USA. Patients were randomly assigned intraoperatively to either lobar or sublobar resection. The random assignment was based on permuted block randomisation without concealment and was stratified according to radiographic tumour size, histology, and smoking status. The primary endpoint of the trial is disease-free survival; here, we report a post-hoc, exploratory, comparative analysis of perioperative mortality and morbidity associated with lobar and sublobar resection. Perioperative mortality was defined as death from any cause within 30 days and 90 days of surgical intervention and was calculated for all randomised patients. Morbidity was graded using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. All analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis for randomised patients with data available. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00499330.

FINDINGS

Between June 15, 2007, and March 13, 2017, 697 patients were randomly allocated to either lobar resection (n=357) or sublobar resection (n=340; 59% wedge resection). Six (0·9%) patients died by 30 days, four (1·1%) after lobar resection and two (0·6%) after sublobar resection; by 90 days, ten (1·4%) patients had died, six (1·7%) after lobar resection and four (1·2%) after sublobar resection (difference at 30 days, 0·5%, 95% CI -1·1 to 2·3; difference at 90 days, 0·5%, 95% CI -1·5 to 2·6). An adverse event of any grade occurred in 193 (54%) of 355 patients after lobar resection and 172 (51%) of 337 patients after sublobar resection. Adverse events of grade 3 or worse occurred in 54 (15%) patients assigned lobar resection and in 48 (14%) patients assigned sublobar resection. No differences between surgical approaches were noted in cardiac or pulmonary complications. Grade 3 haemorrhage (requiring transfusion) occurred in six (2%) patients assigned lobar resection and eight (2%) patients assigned sublobar resection. Prolonged air leak occurred in nine (3%) patients after lobar resection and two (1%) patients after sublobar resection.

INTERPRETATION

Our post-hoc analysis showed that perioperative mortality and morbidity did not seem to differ between lobar and sublobar resection in physically and functionally fit patients with clinical T1aN0 non-small-cell lung cancer. These data may affect the daily choices made by patients and their doctors in establishing the best treatment approach for stage I lung cancer.

FUNDING

National Cancer Institute.

Limited resection in clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer patients aged 75 years old or more: a meta-analysis

Background

This study aims to compare perioperative and oncologic efficacy of limited resection with lobectomy in clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients ≥75 years old.

Methods

A systemic search of database including PubMed, OVID and Cochrane was carried out to identify the potential relevant studies published. Data extracted were analyzed with Revman 5.1.

Results

5,304 citations were identified by the electronically search. A total of 3,461 patients were included, of whom 1,323 received limited resection and 2,139 received lobectomy. There was higher postoperative complication ratio after lobectomy (32.93% vs. 23.87%, RR =0.71; 95% CI, 0.54-0.93; P=0.01). There were similar total recurrent (18.56%, RR =1.15; 95% CI, 0.82-1.61; P=0.43), and distant recurrent ratio (16.17%, RR =0.67; 95% CI, 0.43-1.05; P=0.08) between groups. Lower local-regional recurrent ratio (2.40%, RR =4.31; 95% CI, 1.98-9.39; P<0.001) was observed after lobectomy. Compared with lobectomy, patients received limited resection showed poorer overall survival (HR =1.24; 95% CI, 1.07-1.44; P=0.004) and lung cancer specific survival (HR =1.37; 95% CI, 1.14-1.64; P<0.001).

Conclusions

This analysis showed superior lung cancer specific survival, and overall survival after lobectomy over limited resection for clinical stage I NSCLC patients aged ≥75 years old. Our results confirmed that lobectomy should be considered in aged patients if tolerable.

Prediction of Occult Lymph Node Metastasis Using Tumor-to-Blood Standardized Uptake Ratio and Metabolic Parameters in Clinical N0 Lung Adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate whether the tumor-to-blood SUV ratio (SUR) and metabolic parameters of F-FDG uptake could predict occult lymph node metastasis (OLM) in clinically node-negative (cN0) lung adenocarcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 157 patients with cN0 lung adenocarcinoma who underwent both preoperative F-FDG PET/CT and surgical resection with the systematic lymph node dissection. The SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV, and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of the primary tumor was measured on the PET/CT workstation. SURmax, SURmean, and TLGsur were derived from each of them divided by descending aorta SUVmean. These PET parameters and clinicopathological variables were analyzed for OLM.

RESULTS

In our study, OLM was detected in 31 (19.7%) of 157 patients. Significantly higher values of tumor size, SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV, TLGsuv, SURmax, SURmean, and TLGsur were found in patients with OLM. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cutoff values of the above parameters were 29.50, 4.38, 2.45, 6.37, 44.13, 5.30, 1.86, and 28.24, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that TLGsur (odds ratio, 1.024; P = 0.002) was the most potent associated factor for the prediction of OLM in cN0 lung adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

TLGsur showed the most powerful predictive performance than the other PET parameters for the prediction of OLM in cN0 lung adenocarcinoma. This normalized volumetric parameter would be helpful in selection of sublobar resection or aggressive tailored treatments in patients with cN0 lung adenocarcinoma.

What is the role of wedge resection for T1a lung cancer?

Since 1995, lobar resection became the standard of care for medically fit patients with early stage lung cancer. This was based on the results of a single randomized trial comparing lobectomy and sublobar resection (SLR) in stage I lung cancer conducted by the lung cancer study group between 1982 and 1988. The conclusions of the study included a statistically significant tripling in loco-regional recurrence (LR) after limited resection but no difference between the two arms of the trial in systemic recurrence. Although both overall survival and cancer specific survival favored lobectomy, neither achieved statistical significance. Regardless, this landmark trial established lobectomy as the preferred oncological resection for early stage lung cancer. The practice of thoracic surgery has evolved significantly since the study period of the Lung Cancer Study Group, and this has led some surgeons to question its relevance to contemporary practice. The increased detection of smaller more precisely staged tumors combined with the rising segment of the population that is elderly with limited cardiopulmonary reserve has renewed interest in sub-lobar resection including wedge resection as either a definitive therapeutic strategy or as a compromise approach in patients with poor performance status. The interest in wedge resections is also to some extent further fueled by the emergence and increased utilization of competing technologies of local control such as stereotactic radiation or percutaneous and trans-bronchial ablative techniques. Although the results of the LCSG still cast a long shadow over the soundness of wedge resection as a cancer operation, much literature has been published in the subsequent years on this topic. We present in this review an overview of the conflicting data and offer our perspective on the role of wedge resection in early stage lung cancer.

[Progress of Sublobectomy for the Treatment of Stage I Non-small Cell Lung Cancer in the Elderly]

肺癌是世界范围内发病率最高的恶性肿瘤，且有逐年增加的趋势，随着人口老龄化和薄层电子计算机断层扫描（computed tomography, CT）的应用，老年早期肺癌被越来越多的发现，手术仍然是这类人群的主要治疗方式，目前主要手术方式为肺叶切除和亚肺叶切除两种，由于老年群体的特殊性，对手术方式的选择也趋于“个性化”，本文对这两种手术方式的选择问题做一综述。

Segmentectomy versus lobectomy in early non-small cell lung cancer of 2 cm or less in size: A population-based study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Standard surgical management for early stage lung cancer is lobectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection. The feasibility of limited resection remains controversial; we retrospectively assessed lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS) and overall survival (OS) in early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to evaluate whether segmentectomy is comparable to standard lobectomy.

METHODS

Patients with primary NSCLC of 20 mm or less who were diagnosed from 2000 to 2014 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. To compare the two surgical interventions, a propensity score analysis was performed between lobectomy and segmentectomy.

RESULTS

Of the 15 358 patients analysed, there were 14 549 lobectomies and 809 segmentectomies. The 5-year OS was 76% for the lobectomy group and 74.4% for the segmentectomy group. There were no significant differences in OS or LCSS among patients who underwent lobectomy versus segmentectomy, as demonstrated by the propensity-matched hazard ratio (HR) for OS (HR: 1.195, 95% CI: 0.993-1.439) and LCSS (HR: 1.124, 95% CI: 0.860-1.469). The inverse propensity-weighted analysis also supported these results. Segmentectomy was more likely to be performed in elderly patients. In the subset of patients aged ≥75 years, the segmentectomy group demonstrated comparable OS (HR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.87-1.58, P = 0.31) and LCSS (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.59-1.51, P = 0.81), compared with the lobectomy group.

CONCLUSION

Equivalent OS and LCSS were demonstrated in patients with primary NSCLC of 20 mm or less without lymph node or distant metastasis.

Wedge Resection Versus Anatomic Resection: Extent of Surgical Resection for Stage I and II Lung Cancer

Currently, surgery for lung cancer with curative intent consists of resection (removal) of the proper extent of lung parenchyma that bears the cancer lesion along with locoregional lymph nodes to assess possible cancer metastasis. Lobectomy, at least, is preferred with regard to the extent of parenchymal resection. The history of lung cancer surgery, which started around 1933 as pneumonectomy (resection of the entire lung on either side), can be characterized as an attempt to minimize the extent of parenchymal resection. In the early 1960s, pneumonectomy was replaced by lobectomy, which has long been respected as the standard surgical mode. However, the transition from lobectomy to a lesser resection, such as segmentectomy or wedge resection, was not recommended because of the results of a randomized trial performed by the North American Lung Cancer Study Group in the 1980s. As of now, the extent of parenchymal resection remains lobectomy, and lesser resection is indicated only for patients who have a compromised pulmonary reserve. Very recently, because of the advent of CT screening programs and improvements in imaging technology, fainter and smaller lung cancers are being discovered. For these smaller and earlier lung cancers, there is some uncertainty about whether lobectomy still should be indicated, as it is for larger tumors with a diameter of 3 cm or more. Therefore, several randomized trials are ongoing to compare lobectomy with lesser resections; endpoints are overall survival and postoperative pulmonary function. Until the results of these trials are available, lung cancer should still be removed by lobectomy rather than by limited resection, such as segmentectomy or wedge resection.

Long-term outcomes of stage I NSCLC (≤3 cm) patients following segmentectomy are equivalent to lobectomy under analogous extent of lymph node removal: a PSM based analysis

Background

Segmentectomy has the advantage of less complications, but might have less lymph node sampling and higher risk of recurrence. We aimed to compare treatment outcome between two surgical options, and explore the effect of regional lymph node removal on the prognostic difference.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data of stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (≤3 cm in size) patients who underwent either segmentectomy, or lobectomy, collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database, from 2003 to 2013. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS). We also collected data from Shandong Provincial Hospital as validation.

Results

Ultimately 1,156 patients treated by segmentectomy and 17,748 patients treated by lobectomy from SEER database were included in the analysis. Overall, segmentectomy was inferior to lobectomy in terms of OS [hazard ratio (HR): 1.316 (1.186-1.461), P<0.001] and LCSS [HR: 1.310 (1.142-1.504), P<0.001]. When the removal of regional lymph nodes (LN) was taken into consideration, no significant difference was found in OS and LCSS, in any Scope of Regional Lymph Node Surgery layer (0, 1-3, more than 3, and biopsy/sentinel layer, all P>0.05). After propensity score matching (PSM), there was no difference between segmentectomy and lobectomy in OS [HR: 1.081 (0.937-1.248), P=0.286] and LCSS [HR: 1.039 (0.861-1.253), P=0.692]. Only sex, age, histology, summary stage, differentiation, tumor size, and radiation still remained as independent prognostic factors for both OS and LCSS. For validation part, there was no significantly prognostic difference between lobectomy and sublobectomy group in overall (P=0.132) and each regional LN removed layer (0, 1-3, more than 3 layers: all P>0.05).

Conclusions

Segmentectomy with proper lymph node resection or sampling could be a good alternative to lobectomy.

Anatomical video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery segmentectomies based on the three-dimensional reformation images

Segmentectomy was first done in 1939 by Churchill and Belsey in 1939. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segmentectomies are still more technically challenging than VATS lobectomies. With the increasing rate of early stage lung carcinomas, the thoracoscopic segmentectomies may have a major role in a near future. Four anatomical VATS segmentectomy videos clips were shared in this study. CT three-dimensional reformation could exactly show the small pulmonary nodule's precise position, clarifies the surrounding structures' relationship like the pulmonary artery (PA), pulmonary vein (PV), bronchus (B), fissure, and lymph nodes. Besides, the resection margin, skin incision, surgical approach can also be designed preoperatively. This feasible technique could increase the confidence for thoracic surgeons. Unnecessary explore time waste for locating small pulmonary nodules during the operation can be avoid, so the surgical accuracy can be improved, complications can be prevented, the duration of chest tube and length of hospital stay can be shortened.

Sublobar resection for stage IA non-small cell lung cancer

Advancements in the diagnosis, staging and management of lung cancer have all led to improvements in outcomes associated with sublobar resection. Lobectomy, for early stage lung cancers has been the treatment of choice for many years. However, there is mounting evidence that sublobar resection when applied to the appropriate patient population can provide not only excellent oncologic results but also equivalent survival to lobectomy. Therefore, it is time that we reevaluate the management of peripheral stage IA lung cancers.

[Issues Need to be Considered in Sublobectomy for Early Stage Lung Cancer]

随着医学技术的进步，早期肺癌患者数量逐年增加，亚肺叶切除治疗在早期肺癌个体化治疗的价值逐渐受到重视。目前，在早期肺癌的术式选择上，肺叶切除和亚肺叶切除孰优孰劣尚存在一些争议。本文就当前亚肺叶切除治疗早期肺癌的下述争议点进行了总结：①循证医学证据；②楔形和肺段的适应症选择；③肿瘤直径和切缘距离的权重比较；④老年人的术式选择。

High Risk for Thoracotomy but not Thoracoscopic Lobectomy

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary lobectomy is the standard of care for resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with compromised lung function who are considered high risk may be denied surgical treatment; thus, proper identification of those truly at high risk is critical. Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) may reduce the operative risk. This study reviews our institutional experience of pulmonary lobectomy by open thoracotomy or VATS techniques in patients deemed to be high risk.

METHODS

A retrospective review of an institutional database was performed for all patients undergoing lobectomy from 2002 to 2010. Patients were grouped into high-risk (HR) and standard-risk (SR) cohorts according to the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z4099/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 1021 criteria.

RESULTS

From 2002 to 2010, 72 HR and 536 SR patients underwent lobectomy. Mean age was 73 years for HR and 66 years for SR (p < 0.0001). Rates of overall (p < 0.0001) and pulmonary complications (p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in the HR group. However, when HR patients were resected by VATS, there was no significant difference in overall (p = 0.1299) or pulmonary complications (p = 0.2292) compared with the SR VATS group. Moreover, overall survival was significantly lower for HR patients who had an open operation compared with VATS lobectomy or SR open (p = 0.0028).

CONCLUSIONS

VATS lobectomy offers patients who are considered to be at increased risk for open lobectomy a feasible procedure, with no difference in overall survival compared with SR patients, and decreased morbidity compared with open lobectomy. VATS lobectomy should be considered for patients who historically may not have been considered for surgical resection.

Survival following segmentectomy or lobectomy in elderly patients with early-stage lung cancer

Purpose

To determine the survival following segmentectomy versus lobectomy in elderly patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We identified 12324 elderly (≥ 70 years) patients with stage I ≤ 3 cm NSCLC in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Propensity score methods were used to balance baseline characteristics of patients undergoing segmentectomy or lobectomy. Overall survival (OS) and lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS) of patients treated with segmentectomy versus lobectomy were compared in Cox regression models after adjusting, stratifying or matching patients based on propensity scores.

Results

Cox models adjusting, stratifying or matching propensity scores all showed that patients treated with segmentectomy had significantly worse OS and LCSS compared to lobectomy. Subgroup analysis of patients with tumors ≤ 2cm, aged ≥ 75 years, or had ≥ 7 lymph nodes examined also revealed survival advantage associated with lobectomy.

Conclusion

Elder age alone could not justify the application of segmentectomy in early-stage lung cancer. Prospective randomized trials are warranted to validate our results.

Choice of Surgical Procedure for Patients With Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer ≤ 1 cm or > 1 to 2 cm Among Lobectomy, Segmentectomy, and Wedge Resection: A Population-Based Study

Purpose

According to the lung cancer staging project, T1a (≤ 2 cm) non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) should be additionally classified into ≤ 1 cm and > 1 to 2 cm groups. This study aimed to investigate the surgical procedure for NSCLC ≤ 1 cm and > 1 to 2 cm.

Methods

We identified 15,760 patients with T1aN0M0 NSCLC after surgery from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Overall survival (OS) and lung cancer–specific survival (LCSS) were compared among patients after lobectomy, segmentectomy, or wedge resection. The proportional hazards model was applied to evaluate multiple prognostic factors.

Results

OS and LCSS favored lobectomy compared with segmentectomy or wedge resection in patients with NSCLC ≤ 1 cm and > 1 to 2 cm. Multivariable analysis showed that segmentectomy and wedge resection were independently associated with poorer OS and LCSS than lobectomy for NSCLC ≤ 1 cm and > 1 to 2 cm. With sublobar resection, lower OS and LCSS emerged for NSCLC > 1 to 2 cm after wedge resection, whereas similar survivals were observed for NSCLC ≤ 1 cm. Multivariable analyses showed that wedge resection is an independent risk factor of survival for NSCLC > 1 to 2 cm but not for NSCLC ≤ 1 cm.

Conclusion

Lobectomy showed better survival than sublobar resection for patients with NSCLC ≤ 1 cm and > 1 to 2 cm. For patients in whom lobectomy is unsuitable, segmentectomy should be recommended for NSCLC > 1 to 2 cm, whereas surgeons could rely on surgical skills and the patient profile to decide between segmentectomy and wedge resection for NSCLC ≤ 1 cm.

[Issues Relevant to Surgical Intervention in 'Tiny' Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Detected by 'Lung Screening'--Orientation, Lung Resection and Lymph Node Resection]

随着胸部计算机断层扫描（computed tomography, CT）的广泛应用，以及肺癌高危人群筛查的逐渐开展，越来越多的“小肺癌”被发现及诊断。“小肺癌”具有的术中定位困难、侵袭性弱、近期和远期预后较好的特点为肺癌的外科治疗提出了新的挑战，本文着重从肺癌的筛查、小结节定位、肺叶切除与亚肺叶切除以及淋巴结清扫范围等方面对“小肺癌”带来的挑战进行探讨。

Sublobar resection versus lobectomy in Surgical Treatment of Elderly Patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (STEPS): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

The appropriateness of lobectomy for all elderly patients is controversial. Meanwhile, sublobar resection is associated with reduced operative risk, better preservation of pulmonary function, and a better quality of life, constituting a potential alternative to standard lobectomy for elderly patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To date, no randomized trial comparing sublobar resection and lobectomy focusing on elderly patients has been reported. We hypothesized that for patients at least 70 years old with clinical stage T1N0M0 NSCLC, sublobar resection is non-inferior to lobectomy for 3-year disease-free survival (DFS).

Methods/design

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled multicenter non-inferiority trial with two study arms: sublobar resection and lobectomy groups. Comprehensive geriatric assessments will be acquired for each patient. A total of 339 subjects will be enrolled on the basis of power calculations, and participants followed up every 6 months post-operation for 3 years. In case of relapse, survival follow-up will be continued until 5 years or death. Pulmonary function testing will be performed at 6, 12, and 36 months post-operation. The primary outcome is 3-year DFS; secondary endpoints include peri-operative complications and mortality, hospitalization time, post-operative ventilator time, overall survival, 3-year recurrence rates, post-operative pulmonary function, quality of life, geriatric assessment data, and 4-year mortality index.

Discussion

The present study is the only prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial comparing sublobar resection and lobectomy for elderly patients. The therapeutic outcomes of sublobar resection will be evaluated in comparison with lobectomy for elderly patients (≥70 years) with early-stage NSCLC.

Trial registration number

NCT02360761: 01/24/2015 (ClinicalTrials.gov)

Video-assisted thoracic surgery experience of calcified lymph nodes for lingular sparing lobectomy

BACKGROUND

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is commonly used for posterior, superior and lingular segmentectomy. Segmental resections involving the left upper lobe are the following: upper division (S1+2 and S3) (lingular sparing lobectomy), apicoposterior segmentectomy (S1 + S2), and lingulectomy (S4 + S5). Lingular sparing lobectomy is still a challenge for more technical demanding and more anatomic variations, especially when facing calcified lymph nodes.

METHODS

A 73 years old woman was admitted for founding a ground glass opacity (GGO) during the screening test (1.0 cm × 1.0 cm). Her pulmonary function result was forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁): 1.51 L (54.7% predicted). She was a non-smoker, with negative bronchoscopy findings. She received general anesthesia with double-lumen endotracheal intubation and right lung ventilation. Right lateral decubitus position was chosen. The first 1.5-cm incision was selected in the 8^th intercostal space in the midaxillary line, and was used for the camera. A 4-cm long incision was made in the 4^th intercostal space in the preaxillary line. A third 1.5-cm incision was performed in the 9^th intercostal space in the postaxillary line for assistant. Pulmonary ligament and the entire left hilum were mobilized. The superior pulmonary vein has usually three major tributaries. The superior branch drains the apicoposterior segments and frequently blocks the access to the apicoposterior arteries. The middle branch drains the anterior segment, and the lowermost branch drains the lingula. The lingular vein must be preserved. The apicoposterior and anterior segment vein was transected with a vascular stapler. Anterior pulmonary artery and anterior bronchus were then divided and stapled. The upper lobe bronchus splits immediately into the lingular bronchus and a common stem. All these segmental bronchi have short course and a calcified lymph node located between the apicoposterior pulmonary artery and apicoposterior bronchus. These situations make the dissection and identification very difficult. Following many failure attempts of trying take the calcified lymph node out. Staple the left apicoposterior pulmonary artery together with the apicoposterior bronchi is completed. And left upper division (S1+2 and S3) was taken out after stapling lung tissue above the level of lingular segment with a 60-mm green linear stapler. Mediastinal lymph nodes of level 9, 7, 4L and 5 were cleared afterwards.

RESULTS

Pathology was confirmed with adenocarcinoma (ancinar component dominant). There were no complications and the patient was discharged 6 days postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Staple the left apicoposterior pulmonary artery together with the apicoposterior bronchi is a safe and feasible way when facing the difficult dissection of the calcified lymph nodes during segmentectomy.

The impact of tumor size on the association of the extent of lymph node resection and survival in clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

Lymph node evaluation for node-negative non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with long-term survival but it is not clear if smaller tumors require as extensive a pathologic nodal assessment as larger tumors. This study evaluated the relationship of tumor size and optimal extent of lymph node resection using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The incremental survival benefit of each additional lymph node that was evaluated for patients in the NCDB who underwent lobectomy for clinical Stage I NSCLC from 2003 to 2006 was evaluated using Cox multivariable proportional hazards regression modeling. The impact of tumor size was assessed by repeating the Cox analysis with patients stratified by tumor size ≥2 cm vs <2 cm.

RESULTS

A median of 7 [interquartile range: 4,11] lymph nodes were examined in 13,827 patients who met study criteria. Following adjustment, the evaluation of each additional lymph node demonstrated a significant survival benefit through 11 lymph nodes. After grouping patients by tumor size, patients with tumors <2 cm demonstrated a significant survival benefit for the incremental resection of each additional lymph node through 4 lymph nodes while patients with tumors ≥2 cm had a significant survival benefit through 14 lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION

Pathologic lymph node evaluation is associated with improved survival for clinically node-negative NSCLC, but the extent of the necessary evaluation varies by tumor size. These results have implications for guidelines for lymph node assessment as well as the choice of surgery vs other ablative techniques for clinical stage I NSCLC.

Sublobar Resection for Clinical Stage IA Non-small-cell Lung Cancer in the United States

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the use of lobectomy and sublobar resection for clinical stage IA non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB).

METHODS

The NCDB from 2003 to 2011 was analyzed to determine factors associated with the use of a sublobar resection versus a lobectomy for the treatment of clinical stage IA NSCLC. Overall survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard modeling.

RESULTS

Among 39,403 patients included for analysis, 29,736 (75.5%) received a lobectomy and 9667 (24.5%) received a sublobar resection: 84.7% wedge resection (n = 8192) and 15.3% segmental resection (n = 1475). Lymph node evaluation was not performed in 2788 (28.8%) of sublobar resection patients, and 7298 (75.5%) of sublobar resections were for tumors ≤ 2 cm. After multivariable logistic regression, older age, higher Charlson-Deyo comorbidity scores, smaller tumor size, and treatment at lower-volume institutions were associated with sublobar resection (all P < .001). Overall, lobectomy was associated with significantly improved 5-year survival compared to sublobar resection (66.2% vs. 51.2%; P < .001, adjusted hazard ratio 0.66; P < .001). However among sublobar resection patients, nodal sampling was associated with significantly better 5-year survival (58.2% vs. 46.4%; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Despite adjustment for patient and tumor related characteristics, a sublobar resection is associated with significantly reduced long-term survival compared to a formal surgical lobectomy among patients with NSCLC, even for stage 1A tumors. For patients who cannot tolerate lobectomy and who are treated with sublobar resection, lymph node evaluation is essential to help guide further treatment.

Could less be more?-A systematic review and meta-analysis of sublobar resections versus lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer according to patient selection

OBJECTIVES

There is renewed interest in performing segmentectomies and wedge resections for selected patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. However, comparative data on sublobar resections versus lobectomies include 'intentionally selected' patients who could tolerate either procedure, or 'compromised' patients who could only undergo sublobar resections due to significant comorbidities or insufficient cardiopulmonary reserve. To address this important point, the present meta-analysis aimed to compare the survival outcomes of sublobar resections and segmentectomies versus lobectomies based on patient selection and surgical intent.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed using 6 online databases to identify all comparative studies that presented survival data on sublobar resections versus lobectomy procedures. These studies were then categorized according to the patient selection process for those who underwent sublobar resections. Patients were considered 'intentionally selected' if they could have tolerated either procedure, 'compromised' if they underwent a sublobar resection due to ineligibility for a lobectomy, or 'non-specified'.

RESULTS

Fifty-four studies, including a single randomized controlled trial, involving 38,959 patients were found to meet the predefined selection criteria. For sublobar resections, comparative data demonstrated no significant difference in overall survival in the 'intentionally selected' group, but a significantly worse outcome for sublobar resections in the 'compromised group'. Similarly, for the comparison of segmentectomies versus lobectomies, available data demonstrated no significant difference in overall survival in the 'intentionally selected' group, but a significantly worse outcome for segmentectomy in the 'compromised group'.

CONCLUSIONS

The present meta-analysis was the first to emphasize the patient selection process to compare 'intentionally selected' and 'compromised' patients who underwent sublobar resections versus lobectomies. Our results suggested that segmentectomies may be a feasible alternative for selected patients who could tolerate either procedure. These patients generally had tumours that were <2cm, located peripherally with favourable histopathology, and with ground-glass opacity on imaging.

Comparative effectiveness of surgery and radiosurgery for stage I non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Although surgery is the standard treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been disseminated as an alternative therapy. The comparative mortalities and toxicities of these treatments for patients of different life expectancies are unknown.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked database was used to identify patients who were 67 years old or older and underwent SBRT or surgery for stage I NSCLC from 2007 to 2009. Matched patients were stratified into short life expectancies (<5 years) and long life expectancies (≥5 years). Mortality and complication rates were compared with Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Overall, 367 SBRT patients and 711 surgery patients were matched. Acute toxicity (0-1 month) was lower from SBRT versus surgery (7.9% vs 54.9%, P < .001). At 24 months after treatment, there was no difference (69.7% vs 73.9%, P = .31). The incidence rate ratio (IRR) for toxicity from SBRT versus surgery was 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-0.87). Overall mortality was lower with SBRT versus surgery at 3 months (2.2% vs 6.1%, P = .005), but by 24 months, overall mortality was higher with SBRT (40.1% vs 22.3%, P < .001). For patients with short life expectancies, there was no difference in lung cancer mortality (IRR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.40-2.56). However, for patients with long life expectancies, there was greater overall mortality (IRR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.11-2.01) as well as a trend toward greater lung cancer mortality (IRR, 1.63; 95% CI, 0.95-2.79) with SBRT versus surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

SBRT was associated with lower immediate mortality and toxicity in comparison with surgery. However, for patients with long life expectancies, there appears to be a relative benefit from surgery versus SBRT.

Meta-analysis of lobectomy, segmentectomy, and wedge resection for stage I non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Survival difference following lobectomy, segmentectomy, and wedge resection in stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its subgroups remains undetermined.

METHODS

We systemically searched published articles comparing recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), or cancer-specific survival (CSS) between lobectomy and limited resection or between segmentectomy and wedge resection.

RESULTS

A total of 42 studies published from 1980 to 2014 enrolling 21,926 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Survival results favored lobectomy in stage IA NSCLC ≤2 cm (combined HR: 1.530, 95% CI: 1.402-1.671, P < 0.001) or patient's ≥65 years old (combined HR: 1.227, 95% CI: 1.003-1.502, P = 0.047). Survival outcome of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) sublobectomy was comparable to that of VATS lobectomy (pooled HR: 0.808, 95% CI: 0.556-1.174, P = 0.263). The combined HR of segmentectomy versus lobectomy was 1.231 (95% CI: 1.070-1.417, P = 0.004), while the pooled HR of wedge resection versus segmentectomy was 1.542 (95% CI: 0.856-2.780, P = 0.149).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested that tumor size or age alone should not be the criteria to encourage sublobar resection. For stage I NSCLC, survival following segmentectomy was inferior to lobectomy. Patients undergoing intentional sublobectomy achieved comparable survival as those who received lobectomy.

Factors affecting major morbidity after video-assisted thoracic surgery for lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has been widely applied in the treatment of lung cancer. However, few studies have focused on the clinical factors predicting the major postoperative complications.

METHODS

Clinical data from 525 patients who underwent resection of primary lung cancer with VATS from January 2007-August 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Risk factors related to major postoperative complications were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression.

RESULTS

Major complications occurred in 36 (6.86%) patients, of which seven died (1.33%) within 30 d, postoperatively. Major complications included respiratory failure, hemothorax, myocardial infarction, heart failure, bronchial fistula, cerebral infarction, and pulmonary embolism. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that age >70 y (odds ratio [OR], 2.105; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.205-3.865), forced expiratory volume during the first second expressed as a percentage of predicted ≤70% (OR, 2.106; 95% CI 1.147-3.982) combined with coronary heart disease (OR, 2.257; 95% CI 1.209-4.123) were independent prognostic factors for major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Age >70 and forced expiratory volume during the first second expressed as a percentage of predicted ≤70% combined with coronary heart disease are independent prognostic factors for postoperative major complications. Patients in these groups should undergo careful preoperative evaluation and perioperative management.

Lobectomy vs. segmentectomy for NSCLC (T<2 cm)

The extent of surgical resection for peripheral clinical T1N0M0 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ≤2 cm continues to be a matter of debate. Eighteen years ago, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) established lobectomy as the standard of care for peripheral clinical T1N0M0 NSCLC. However, numerous publications since then have reported similar outcomes for patients treated with segmentectomy or lobectomy for peripheral clinical T1N0M0 NSCLC 2 cm or smaller in size. The majority of these publications are retrospective studies. Two ongoing RCTs aim to resolve this debate, one in Japan and the other in the United States. This manuscript is a comprehensive review of the literature that compares lobectomy to segmentectomy for peripheral clinical T1N0M0 NSCLC 2 cm or smaller in size. Until data from the ongoing RCTs become available, this literature review provides the best evidence to guide the thoracic surgeon in the management of these patients.

Sublobectomy versus lobectomy for stage IA (T1a) non-small-cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis study

Background

Although lobectomy is considered the standard surgical treatment for the majority of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the operation project for patients with stage IA NSCLC (T1a, tumor diameter ≤2 cm) remains controversial. Sublobectomy is appropriate only in certain patients as many doctors consider it to be overtreatment. We evaluated the five-year overall survival rate of sublobectomy and lobectomy for stage IA NSCLC (T1a, tumor diameter ≤2 cm) through a meta-analysis.

Methods

The five-year overall survival rate (OS) of stage IA (T1a) NSCLC after sublobectomy (including wedge resection and segmentectomy) and lobectomy were compared. We also compared the OS of stage IA (T1a) NSCLC after segmentectomy and lobectomy. The log (hazard ratio, ln (HR)) and its standard error (SE) were used as the outcome measure for data combining.

Results

There were 12 eligible studies published between 1994 and 2013 in which the total number of participants was 18,720. When compared to lobectomy, there was a statistically significant difference of sublobectomy on OS of stage IA (T1a) NSCLC patients (HR 1.38; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.19 to 1.61; P <0.0001). For the comparison between segmentectomy and lobectomy, there was also a statistically significant difference of segmentectomy alone on OS of stage IA (T1a) NSCLC patients (HR 1.48; 95% CI: 1.27 to 1.73; P <0.00001)

Conclusions

We have concluded that in stage IA (T1a) patients sublobectomy, including segmentectomy and wedge resection, causes a lower survival rate than lobectomy.

Segmentectomy or lobectomy for early stage lung cancer: a meta-analysis

Early stage lung cancer is routinely treated by lobectomy whenever clinically feasible, whereas the role of segmentectomy is controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits of segmentectomy vs lobectomy for early stage lung cancer through a meta-analysis of published data. Eligible studies were identified from MEDLINE through February 2013. The manual selection of relevant studies was based on the summary analysis. We used published hazard ratios (HRs) if available or estimates from the published survival data. Lobectomy was chosen as the reference in all HR calculations. We compared the effect of segmentectomy and lobectomy for Stage I, Stage IA, Stage IA with tumours larger than 2 cm but smaller than 3 cm in size and Stage IA with tumours of 2 cm or smaller in 22 observational studies. The HRs of overall and cancer-specific survival indicated significant benefits of lobectomy for Stage I, Stage IA and Stage IA with tumours larger than 2 cm but smaller than 3 cm at 1.20 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.38; P = 0.011), 1.24 (95% CI 1.08-1.42; P = 0.002) and 1.41 (95% CI 1.14-1.71; P = 0.001), respectively. For tumours 2 cm or smaller, segmentectomy provided an effect equivalent to that of lobectomy (HR 1.05; 95% CI 0.89-1.24; P = 0.550). No significant publication bias was detected in any part of the analysis. These findings should be interpreted in the context of the inherent limitations of meta-analyses of retrospective studies, including the heterogeneity of patient characteristics.

[Diagnosis and management of solitary pulmonary nodules]

目前，肺癌已跃居成为我国发病率及死亡率最高的恶性肿瘤，总体5年生存率较低；早诊早治是提高肺癌患者生存率及改善预后的关键，而早期肺癌患者常无任何症状和体征，只在影像学上表现为肺孤立性结节病变。提高对孤立性肺结节良恶性的鉴别诊断能力是临床诊治过程中的难点与热点。随着各种诊治技术的发展，孤立性肺结节病变性质的诊断准确率已大大提高。