Cooperative trials in thoracic oncology are important

Should we reestablish the Lung Cancer Study Group?

The hallmark of the Lung Cancer Study Group (LCSG) was its multidisciplinary approach to cancer management, based on close collaboration among thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, biostatisticians, and data managers. Discontinuation of funding for the group dispersed a critical mass of thoracic oncologists and had serious adverse effects on clinical trials in early-stage thoracic malignancies, on translational research, and on oncologic education. The use of an intergroup mechanism for clinical trials has been partially successful in continuing the work started by the LCSG, but a sustained effort will be necessary to recreate the framework for clinical investigation provided by the group.