Induction Chemoradiation and Surgical Resection for Superior Sulcus Non–Small-Cell Lung Carcinomas: Long-Term Results of Southwest Oncology Group Trial 9416 (Intergroup Trial 0160)

Updated review of perioperative treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer in the new era of immune checkpoint inhibitors: past, present, and future

The perioperative treatments for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) should control both local and microscopic systemic disease, because the survival of patients with NSCLC who underwent surgical resection alone has been dismal except in stage IA patients. One way to improve surgical outcome is the administration of chemotherapy before or after the surgical procedure. During the last two decades, many clinical studies have focused on developing optimal adjuvant or neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimens that can be combined with surgical treatment and/or radiotherapy. Based on the results of those clinical studies, multimodality therapy has been considered to be an appropriate treatment approach for locally advanced NSCLC patients. When nodal involvement is discovered postoperatively, adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy has conferred an overall survival benefit. More recently, neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant use of immunotherapy adding to the cisplatin-based chemotherapy has been revealed to improve survival of the patients with locally advanced NSCLC in many large-scale clinical trials; although, optimal treatment strategies are still evolving.

Multidisciplinary approach for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): 2023 expert consensus of the Spanish Lung Cancer Group GECP

INTRODUCTION

Recent advances in the treatment of locally advanced NSCLC have led to changes in the standard of care for this disease. For the selection of the best approach strategy for each patient, it is necessary the homogenization of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, as well as the promotion of the evaluation of patients by a multidisciplinary oncology team.

OBJECTIVE

Development of an expert consensus document with suggestions for the approach and treatment of locally advanced NSCLC leaded by Spanish Lung Cancer Group GECP.

METHODS

Between March and July 2023, a panel of 28 experts was formed. Using a mixed technique (Delphi/nominal group) under the guidance of a coordinating group, consensus was reached in 4 phases: 1. Literature review and definition of discussion topics 2. First round of voting 3. Communicating the results and second round of voting 4. Definition of conclusions in nominal group meeting. Responses were consolidated using medians and interquartile ranges. The threshold for agreement was defined as 85% of the votes.

RESULTS

New and controversial situations regarding the diagnosis and management of locally advanced NSCLC were analyzed and reconciled based on evidence and clinical experience. Discussion issues included: molecular diagnosis and biomarkers, radiologic and surgical diagnosis, mediastinal staging, role of the multidisciplinary thoracic committee, neoadjuvant treatment indications, evaluation of response to neoadjuvant treatment, postoperative evaluation, and follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Consensus clinical suggestions were generated on the most relevant scenarios such as diagnosis, staging and treatment of locally advanced lung cancer, which will serve to support decision-making in daily practice.

Updates in pharmacotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer: a focus on emerging tubulin inhibitors

INTRODUCTION

The treatment landscape of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has seen significant advancements in recent years, marked by a shift toward target agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of treatment, alone or in combination. Microtubule-targeting agents, such as taxanes and vinca alkaloids, play a crucial role in clinical practice in both early and advanced settings in NSCLC.

AREA COVERED

This review outlines the mechanisms of action, present significance, and prospective advancements of microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs), with a special highlight on new combinations in phase 3 trials. The online databases PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched using the terms 'Microtubule-targeting agents' and 'non-small cell lung cancer' or synonyms, with a special focus over the last 5 years of publications.

EXPERT OPINION

Despite the emergence of immunotherapy, MTA remains crucial, often used alongside or after immunotherapy, especially in squamous cell lung cancer. Next-generation sequencing expands treatment options, but reliable biomarkers for immunotherapy are lacking. While antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) show promise, managing toxicities remain vital. In the early stages, MTAs, possibly with ICIs, are standard, while ADCs may replace traditional chemotherapy in the advanced stages. Nevertheless, MTAs remain essential in subsequent lines or for patients with contraindications.

Deciphering the enigmatic symptoms of Pancoast tumors: Navigating the complex landscape of pain management-A case report

Pancoast tumors, also known as superior sulcus tumors, encompass a diverse spectrum of neoplasms that infiltrate the apex of the chest wall, yielding distinctive clinical presentations. One of the earliest signs of tumor growth is pain radiating to the upper limb, stemming from peripheral nerve involvement, which can mimic joint pain or spinal radicular irritation. In this case report, we present the clinical history of a 64-year-old female smoker who had previously been recommended for orthopedic elbow surgery due to epicondylitis. Subsequent to the development of additional symptoms and rigorous investigation, a Pancoast tumor was diagnosed. Furthermore, we discuss the characteristic treatment modalities available for Pancoast tumors, including pharmacological pain management and interventional strategies such as spinal cordotomy and spinal alcoholysis. This case underscores the significance of recognizing atypical presentations and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive evaluation in the diagnosis and management of Pancoast tumors.

Neoadjuvant nivolumab plus chemotherapy followed by resection for superior sulcus tumour with high PD-L1 expression: A case report

The standard treatment for resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) located in the superior sulcus is neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by highly invasive resection. Based on the results of the CheckMate 816 trial, which showed a marked improvement in the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy, we report a case of minimally invasive resection after neoadjuvant nivolumab plus chemotherapy for superior sulcus NSCLC, resulting in a pathologic complete response. The patient was a 76-year-old man with a 65-mm right superior sulcus tumour diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma with 95% PD-L1. After two courses of neoadjuvant nivolumab plus chemotherapy, the tumour was completely resected through an 11-cm right lateral thoracotomy with second rib resection and first rib preservation. No residual tumour cells were observed in the specimen, and the patient had a pathologic complete response. This report represents a new treatment option for superior sulcus tumours.

A Review of the Current Approach and Treatment Landscape for Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The therapeutic landscape of the management of stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has drastically evolved with the incorporation of immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Stage III NSCLC accounts for one-third of the cases and the treatment strategy of these locally advanced presentations are diverse, ranging from surgical to non-surgical options; with the incorporation of chemo-immunotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies wherever applicable. The staging of this disease has also changed, and it is essential to have a strong multidisciplinary approach to do justice to patient care. In this article, we aim to navigate the nuanced approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of stage III NSCLC and expand on the evolution of the management of this disease.

Case report: Pathological complete response of pregnancy associated pulmonary enteric adenocarcinoma to chemoradiotherapy

Pulmonary enteric adenocarcinoma (PEAC) is a rare lung adenocarcinoma with morphological features similar to those of primary and metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma. To date, only a few studies have reported the therapeutic effects of chemoradiotherapy on PEAC. This report describes the case of a 28-year-old woman with pregnancy-related PEAC who presented with left shoulder pain. A superior sulcus tumor was identified in the left thoracic cavity, and the biopsy indicated more than 50% intestinal differentiation components. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining revealed positive CDX2 and CK7 expression. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography, upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and small intestinal capsule endoscopy revealed no gastrointestinal malignancies. The patient was diagnosed with locally advanced PEAC (clinical stage T4N0M0; stage IIIA). Therefore, the patient was treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy and underwent gross total resection during surgery. Pathological evaluation of the specimen revealed no residual tumor, indicating that the chemoradiotherapy for PEAC was highly effective. One subsequent brain metastasis was also resected, and the patient has not experienced recurrence in 28 months since this resection and continues to be monitored regularly. This is the first pathologically confirmed report of the use of chemoradiotherapy (carboplatin [CBDCA] and paclitaxel [PTX]) for PEAC and its clinical efficacy. Unlike previous reports, the efficacy of this treatment is attributed to the use of PTX in preoperative chemotherapy and the p21- status of the patient, which may have increased sensitivity to chemoradiation therapy. Therefore, chemoradiotherapy (CBDCA + PTX) may be a viable treatment option for advanced intestinal lung adenocarcinoma.

Resectable non-stage IV nonsmall cell lung cancer: the surgical perspective

Surgery remains an essential element of the multimodality radical treatment of patients with early-stage nonsmall cell lung cancer. In addition, thoracic surgery is one of the key specialties involved in the lung cancer tumour board. The importance of the surgeon in the setting of a multidisciplinary panel is ever-increasing in light of the crucial concept of resectability, which is at the base of patient selection for neoadjuvant/adjuvant treatments within trials and in real-world practice. This review covers some of the topics which are relevant in the daily practice of a thoracic oncological surgeon and should also be known by the nonsurgical members of the tumour board. It covers the following topics: the pre-operative selection of the surgical candidate in terms of fitness in light of the ever-improving nonsurgical treatment alternatives unfit patients may benefit from; the definition of resectability, which is so important to include patients into trials and to select the most appropriate radical treatment; the impact of surgical access and surgical extension with the evolving role of minimally invasive surgery, sublobar resections and parenchymal-sparing sleeve resections to avoid pneumonectomy.

Canadian Consensus Recommendations for the Management of Operable Stage II/III Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Results of a Modified Delphi Process

The treatment paradigm for patients with stage II/III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is rapidly evolving. We performed a modified Delphi process culminating at the Early-stage Lung cancer International eXpert Retreat (ELIXR23) meeting held in Montreal, Canada, in June 2023. Participants included medical and radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons and pathologists from across Quebec. Statements relating to diagnosis and treatment paradigms in the preoperative, operative and postoperative time periods were generated and modified until all held a high level of consensus. These statements are aimed to help guide clinicians involved in the treatment of patients with stage II/III NSCLC.

Almonertinib as a neoadjuvant therapy for patients with a superior pulmonary sulcus tumor with activated EGFR mutation: A case report

A superior pulmonary sulcus tumor, also known as a Pancoast tumor, invades tissues or organs at the entrance of the thorax, such as the brachial plexus, upper ribs, vertebrae, subclavian vessels and stellate ganglia. Induction concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by radical surgical resection is the preferred treatment. The present study reported the case of a 52-year-old male who presented at Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College (Wuhan, Hubei) with left chest pain and an abnormal chest computed tomography scan showing a mass of 81x43 mm in the left upper chest wall that invaded the first, second and third anterior ribs. Biopsy of the mass showed stage cT4N0M0, IIIA, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and epidermal growth factor receptor+. The patient was treated by induction chemotherapy and targeted therapy, which was followed by surgical resection of the left upper lobe and the affected chest wall via the transmanubrial approach. The targeted therapy with almonertinib was continued postoperatively. To date, no disease recurrence has been detected during the 4 months follow-up.

Superior Sulcus Tumors Invading the Spine: Multimodal Treatment Outcomes From the Preimmunotherapy Era

Introduction

Curative-intent treatment of superior sulcus tumors (SSTs) of the lung invading the spine presents considerable challenges. We retrospectively studied outcomes in a single center, uniformly staged patient cohort treated with induction concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection (trimodality therapy).

Methods

An institutional surgical database from the period between 2002 and 2021 was accessed to identify SSTs in which the resection included removal of at least part of the vertebral body. All patients were staged using fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (/computed tomography), computed tomography scan of the chest/upper abdomen, and brain imaging. Surgical morbidity was assessed using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Overall and disease-free survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

A total of 18 patients were included: 8 complete and 10 partial vertebrectomies were performed, with six of the eight complete vertebrectomies involving two vertebral levels, resulting in Complete surgical resection (R0) in 94%. Nine patients had a 1-day procedure, and nine were staged over 2 days. The median follow-up was 30 months (interquartile range 11-57). The 90-day postoperative morbidity was 44% (grade III/IV), with no 90-day surgery-related mortality. There were 83% who had a major pathologic response, associated with improved survival (p = 0.044). The 5-year overall and disease-free survival were 55% and 40%, respectively. Disease progression occurred in 10 patients, comprising locoregional recurrences in two and distant metastases in eight patients.

Conclusions

Multimodality treatment in selected patients with a superior sulcus tumor invading the spine is safe and results in good survival. Such patients should be referred to expert centers. Future research should focus on improving distant control (e.g. [neo]adjuvant immunotherapy).

Superior sulcus non-small cell lung cancers (Pancoast tumors): Current outcomes after multidisciplinary management

OBJECTIVE

Despite neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, Pancoast tumors still present surgical and oncologic challenges. To optimize outcomes, we used a multidisciplinary care paradigm with medical and radiation oncology, and involvement of spine neurosurgery for most T3 and all T4 tumors. Spine neurosurgery permitted resection of transverse process for T3 and vertebral body resection for T4 tumors.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of single institution, prospective database of patients undergoing resection for cT3 4M0 Pancoast tumors. Patients were grouped as cT3 with combined resection with spine neurosurgery (T3 Neuro), cT3 without spine neurosurgery (T3 NoNeuro), and cT4. Overall survival, progression-free survival were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier and compared between groups using log-rank test. Cumulative incidence of local-regional and distant recurrence were compared using Gray test. P value <.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2021, 155 patients underwent surgery: median age was 58 years, and 81 were (52%) men. Most patients received neoadjuvant platinum-based neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (n = 127 [82%]). Operations were 48 cT3 Neuro, 41 cT3 NoNeuro, 66 cT4. R0 resection was achieved in 49 (94%) cT3 NoNeuro, 35 (85%) cT3 Neuro, and 57 (86%) cT4 patients (P = .4). Complete or major pathologic response occurred in 71 (55%) patients. Lower local-regional cumulative incidence was seen in cT3 Neuro versus cT3 NoNeuro (P = .05) and after major pathologic response. Overall survival and progression-free survival were associated with complete response, pathologic stage, and nodal status but not cT category.

CONCLUSIONS

This treatment paradigm was associated with a high frequency of R0 resection, complete response, and major pathologic response. cT3 and cT4 tumors had similar outcomes. Novel therapies are needed to improve complete response.

[Prevention, Diagnosis, Therapy, and Follow-up of Lung Cancer - Interdisciplinary Guideline of the German Respiratory Society and the German Cancer Society - Abridged Version]

The current S3 Lung Cancer Guidelines are edited with fundamental changes to the previous edition based on the dynamic influx of information to this field:The recommendations include de novo a mandatory case presentation for all patients with lung cancer in a multidisciplinary tumor board before initiation of treatment, furthermore CT-Screening for asymptomatic patients at risk (after federal approval), recommendations for incidental lung nodule management , molecular testing of all NSCLC independent of subtypes, EGFR-mutations in resectable early stage lung cancer in relapsed or recurrent disease, adjuvant TKI-therapy in the presence of common EGFR-mutations, adjuvant consolidation treatment with checkpoint inhibitors in resected lung cancer with PD-L1 ≥ 50%, obligatory evaluation of PD-L1-status, consolidation treatment with checkpoint inhibition after radiochemotherapy in patients with PD-L1-pos. tumor, adjuvant consolidation treatment with checkpoint inhibition in patients withPD-L1 ≥ 50% stage IIIA and treatment options in PD-L1 ≥ 50% tumors independent of PD-L1status and targeted therapy and treatment option immune chemotherapy in first line SCLC patients.Based on the current dynamic status of information in this field and the turnaround time required to implement new options, a transformation to a "living guideline" was proposed.

Surgical Approaches to Pancoast Tumors

Pancoast tumors, also defined as superior sulcus tumors, still represent a complex clinical condition requiring high technical surgical skills within more articulated multimodality treatment. The morbidity and mortality rates after Pancoast tumor treatments range from 10 to 55% and 0 to 7%, respectively, and the 5-year survival rate has significantly improved in recent years thanks to the advancement of treatments. Although a multimodality approach combining chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery allows for radical resection and effective local control in the vast majority of patients, many patients cannot receive surgical resection or complete the whole programmed therapeutic regimen. Systemic relapse, particularly cerebral recurrence, still poses a significant issue in this cohort of patients. Surgical resection still plays a pivotal role within the multimodality approach. Here, we focus on surgical approaches to both anterior and posterior Pancoast tumors: the anterior transclavicular approach (Dartevelle); the anterior transmanubrial approach (Grunenwald-Spaggiari); the anterior trap-door approach (Masaoka, Nomori); the posterior approach (Shaw-Paulson); the hemiclamshell approach; and hybrid approaches. Global clinical condition, tumor histology, and long-term perspectives should always be taken into consideration when embarking on such a demanding oncologic scenario.

Re-evaluating the risk factors for radiation pneumonitis in the era of immunotherapy

As one of the common complications of radiotherapy, radiation pneumonia (RP) limits the prognosis of patients. Therefore, better identifying the high-risk factors that lead to RP is essential to effectively prevent its occurrence. However, as lung cancer treatment modalities are being replaced and the era of immunotherapy has arrived, literature that reviews the parameters and mode of radiotherapy, chemotherapy drugs, targeted drugs and current hot immune checkpoint inhibitors related to RP is lacking. This paper summarizes the risk factors for radiation pneumonia by retrieving and analysing previously published literature and the results of large clinical trials. The literature primarily included retrospective analyses, including clinical trials in different periods and a part of the literature review. A systematic literature search of Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Clinicaltrials.gov was performed for relevant publications up to 6 Dec. 2022. Search keywords include, but are not limited to, "radiation pneumonia", "pneumonia", "risk factors", "immunotherapy", etc. The factors related to RP in this paper include physical parameters of radiotherapy, including V₅, V₂₀, and MLD; chemoradiotherapy mode and chemotherapy drugs, including paclitaxel and gemcitabine; EGFR-TKI; ALK inhibitors; antiangiogenic drugs; immune drugs and the underlying disease of the patient. We also introduce the possible mechanism of RP. In the future, we hope that this article not only sounds the alarm for clinicians but also helps to identify a method that can effectively intervene and reduce the occurrence of RP, significantly improve the quality of life and prognosis of patients, and more effectively improve the therapeutic effect of radiation therapy.

Multimodality therapy for lung cancer invading the chest wall: A study of the French EPITHOR database

OBJECTIVES

According to a nation-based study, we intend to report the data of the patients operated on for lung cancer invading the chest wall, taking into consideration the completion of induction chemotherapy (Ind_CT), induction radiochemotherapy (Ind_RCT) or no induction therapy (0_Ind).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients with a primary lung cancer invading the chest wall who underwent radical resection from 2004 to 2019 were included. Superior sulcus tumors were excluded.

RESULTS

Overall, 688 patients were included: 522 operated without induction therapy, 101 with Ind_CT and 65 with Ind_RCT. Postoperative 90-day mortality was 10.7% in the 0_Ind group, 5.0% in the Ind_CT group, 7.7% in the Ind_RCT group (p = 0.17). Incomplete resection rate was 14.0% in the 0_Ind group, 6.9% in the Ind_CT group, 6.2% in the Ind_RCT group (p = 0.04). In the 0_Ind group, 70% of the patients received adjuvant therapies. Overall survival (OS) analysis disclosed the best long-term outcomes in the Ind_RCT group (5-year OS probability: 56.5% versus 40.0% and 40.5% for 0_Ind and Ind_CT groups, respectively; p = 0.035). At multivariable analysis, Ind_RCT (HR = 0.571; p = 0.008), age > 60 years old (HR = 1,373; p = 0.005), male sex (HR = 1.710; p < 0.001), pneumonectomy (HR = 1.368; p = 0.025), pN2 status (HR = 1.981; p < 0.001), ≥3 resected ribs (HR = 1.329; p = 0.019), incomplete resection (HR = 2.284; p < 0.001) and lack of adjuvant therapy (HR = 1.959; p < 0.001) were associated with OS. Ind_CT was not associated with survival (HR = 0.848; p = 0.257).

CONCLUSION

Induction chemoradiation therapy seems to improve survival. Therefore, the present results should be confirmed by a prospective randomized trial testing the benefit of induction radiochemotherapy for NSCLC invading the chest wall.

Trimodality Treatment of Superior Sulcus Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: An Institutional Series of 47 Consecutive Patients

OBJECTIVES

Treatment of superior sulcus tumors (SST) using concurrent chemoradiation followed by surgery is a current standard. However, due to the rarity of this entity, clinical experience in its treatment remains scarce. Here, we present the results of a large consecutive series of patients treated with concurrent chemoradiation followed by surgery at a single academic institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study group included 48 patients with pathologically confirmed SST. The treatment schedule consisted of preoperative 6-MV photon-beam radiotherapy (45-66 Gy delivered in 25-33 fractions over 5-6.5 weeks) and concurrent two cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy. Five weeks after completion of chemoradiation, pulmonary and chest wall resection was performed.

RESULTS

From 2006 to 2018, 47 of 48 consecutive patients meeting protocol criteria underwent two cycles of cisplatin-based chemotherapy and concurrent radiotherapy (45-66 Gy) followed by pulmonary resection. One patient did not undergo surgery due to brain metastases that occurred during induction therapy. The median follow-up was 64.7 months. Chemoradiation was well tolerated, with no toxicity-related deaths. Twenty-one patients (44%) developed grade 3-4 side effects, of which the most common was neutropenia (17 patients; 35.4%). Seventeen patients (36.2%) had postoperative complications, and 90-day mortality was 2.1%. Three- and five-year overall survival (OS) were 43.6% and 33.5%, respectively, and three- and five-year recurrence-free survival were 42.1% and 32.4%, respectively. Thirteen (27.7%) and 22 (46.8%) patients had a complete and major pathological response, respectively. Five-year OS in patients with complete tumor regression was 52.7% (95% CI 29.4-94.5). Predictive factors of long-term survival included age below 70 years, complete resection, pathological stage, and response to induction treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemoradiation followed by surgery is a relatively safe method with satisfactory outcomes.

Long-Term Outcomes After Chemoradiotherapy and Surgery for Superior Sulcus Tumors

Introduction

Superior sulcus tumors (SSTs) are uncommon, and their anatomical location can make treatment challenging. We analyzed late outcomes of patients with SST treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection (trimodality) in a single tertiary institution.

Methods

Patients with non-small cell SSTs, who underwent trimodality therapy between 2002 and 2017, were selected from a prospective institutional surgical database. Patients were uniformly staged with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography, computed tomography scan of the chest and upper abdomen, and brain imaging. Patients undergoing resection of the lung plus chest wall were grouped as limited SST and those needing extensive resections (e.g., including the vertebral body) as extended SST. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to determine difference in survival. Multivariate Cox regression was used to identify prognostic factors.

Results

A total of 123 patients were identified with a median follow-up of 4.9 years (interquartile range: 1.6-8.9 y). The 90-day postoperative mortality and morbidity (Clavien-Dindo grades III-V) were 6.5% and 21.1%, respectively. Patients with a radical resection (R0: 92.7%) had better survival (p = 0.002), as did those who had major pathologic response (73%) (p = 0.001). Ten-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival were 48.1% and 42.6%, respectively. There were no differences in 90-day mortality (p = 0.31) and OS (p = 0.79) between extended SST and limited SST patients.

Conclusions

In patients with SST, trimodality resulted in a 10-year estimated OS and disease-free survival of 48.1% and 42.6%, respectively, which were improved after radical resection (R0) and major pathologic response. Survival for limited and extended resections was comparable, and distant relapse was the main pattern of failure. Better systemic treatments are therefore needed.

Stage III Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: An Overview of Treatment Options

Lung cancer is the second-most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The most common histological type is non-small-cell lung cancer, accounting for 85% of all lung cancer cases. About one out of three new cases of non-small-cell lung cancer are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage—mainly stage III—consisting of a widely heterogeneous group of patients presenting significant differences in terms of tumor volume, local diffusion, and lymph nodal involvement. Stage III NSCLC therapy is based on the pivotal role of multimodal treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy, and a wide-ranging option of systemic treatments. Radical surgery is indicated in the case of hilar lymphnodal involvement or single station mediastinal ipsilateral involvement, possibly after neoadjuvant chemotherapy; the best appropriate treatment for multistation mediastinal lymph node involvement still represents a matter of debate. Although the main scope of treatments in this setting is potentially curative, the overall survival rates are still poor, ranging from 36% to 26% and 13% in stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC, respectively. The aim of this article is to provide an up-to-date, comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art treatments for stage III non-small-cell lung cancer.

Anatomic evaluation of Pancoast tumors using three-dimensional models for surgical strategy development

OBJECTIVE

Pancoast tumor resection planning requires precise interpretation of 2-dimensional images. We hypothesized that patient-specific 3-dimensional reconstructions, providing intuitive views of anatomy, would enable superior anatomic assessment.

METHODS

Cross-sectional images from 9 patients with representative Pancoast tumors, selected from an institutional database, were randomly assigned to presentation as 2-dimensional images, 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction, or 3-dimensional physical reconstruction. Thoracic surgeons (n = 15) completed questionnaires on the tumor extent and a zone-based algorithmic surgical approach for each patient. Responses were compared with surgical pathology, documented surgical approach, and the optimal "zone-specific" approach. A 5-point Likert scale assessed participants' opinions regarding data presentation and potential benefits of patient-specific 3-dimensional models.

RESULTS

Identification of tumor invasion of segmented neurovascular structures was more accurate with 3-dimensional physical reconstruction (2-dimensional 65.56%, 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction 58.52%, 3-dimensional physical reconstruction 87.50%, P < .001); there was no difference for unsegmented structures. Classification of assessed zonal invasion was better with 3-dimensional physical reconstruction (2-dimensional 67.41%, 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction 77.04%, 3-dimensional physical reconstruction 86.67%; P = .001). However, selected surgical approaches were often discordant from documented (2-dimensional 23.81%, 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction 42.86%, 3-dimensional physical reconstruction 45.24%, P = .084) and "zone-specific" approaches (2-dimensional 33.33%, 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction 42.86%, 3-dimensional physical reconstruction 45.24%, P = .501). All surgeons agreed that 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction and 3-dimensional physical reconstruction benefit surgical planning. Most surgeons (14/15) agreed that 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction and 3-dimensional physical reconstruction would facilitate patient and interdisciplinary communication. Finally, most surgeons (14/15) agreed that 3-dimensional virtual reconstruction and 3-dimensional physical reconstruction's benefits outweighed potential delays in care for model construction.

CONCLUSIONS

Although a consistent effect on surgical strategy was not identified, patient-specific 3-dimensional Pancoast tumor models provided accurate and user-friendly overviews of critical thoracic structures with perceived benefits for surgeons' clinical practices.

Surgical results of the Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium 3 trial: A phase II multicenter single-arm study to investigate the efficacy and safety of atezolizumab as neoadjuvant therapy in patients with stages IB-select IIIB resectable non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

Multimodality treatment for resectable non-small cell lung cancer has long remained at a therapeutic plateau. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are highly effective in advanced non-small cell lung cancer and promising preoperatively in small clinical trials for resectable non-small cell lung cancer. This large multicenter trial tested the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant atezolizumab and surgery.

METHODS

Patients with stage IB to select IIIB resectable non-small cell lung cancer and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0/1 were eligible. Patients received atezolizumab 1200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks for 2 cycles or less followed by resection. The primary end point was major pathological response in patients without EGFR/ALK+ alterations. Pre- and post-treatment computed tomography, positron emission tomography, pulmonary function tests, and biospecimens were obtained. Adverse events were recorded by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v.4.0.

RESULTS

From April 2017 to February 2020, 181 patients were entered in the study. Baseline characteristics were mean age, 65.1 years; female, 93 of 181 (51%); nonsquamous histology, 112 of 181 (62%); and clinical stages IIB to IIIB, 147 of 181 (81%). In patients without EGFR/ALK alterations who underwent surgery, the major pathological response rate was 20% (29/143; 95% confidence interval, 14-28) and the pathological complete response rate was 6% (8/143; 95% confidence interval, 2-11). There were no grade 4/5 treatment-related adverse events preoperatively. Of 159 patients (87.8%) undergoing surgery, 145 (91%) had pathologic complete resection. There were 5 (3%) intraoperative complications, no intraoperative deaths, and 2 postoperative deaths within 90 days, 1 treatment related. Median disease-free and overall survival have not been reached.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant atezolizumab in resectable stage IB to IIIB non-small cell lung cancer was well tolerated, yielded a 20% major pathological response rate, and allowed safe, complete surgical resection. These results strongly support the further development of immune checkpoint inhibitors as preoperative therapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

The oncologic efficacy of extended resections for lung cancer

Extended lung resections for T3-T4 non-small-cell lung cancer remain challenging. Multimodal management is mandatory in multidisciplinary tumor boards, and here the determination of resectability is key. Long-term oncologic efficacy depends mostly on complete resection (R0) and the extent of N2 disease. The development of novel innovative treatments (targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors) sets interesting perspectives to reinforce current therapeutic options in the induction and adjuvant setting.

Prognostic value of proliferation, PD-L1 and nuclear size in patients with superior sulcus tumours treated with chemoradiotherapy and surgery

AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between proliferative activity, PD-L1 status and nuclear size changes after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and the clinical outcome in patients with superior sulcus tumours.

METHODS

Proliferative activity (MIB-1) and PD-L1 status were estimated by immunohistochemistry in the tumour cells of resection specimen in a series of 33 patients with residual tumour after trimodality therapy for a sulcus superior tumour between 2005 and 2014. A morphometric analysis of both pretreatment and post-treatment tumour materials was also performed. Results were related to disease-free survival and overall survival.

RESULTS

Low proliferative activity (<20% MIB-1) was associated with better overall survival: 2-year overall survival of 73% compared with 43% and 25%, respectively, for moderate (MIB-1 20%-50%) and high (MIB-1 >50%) proliferative activity (p=0.016). A negative PD-L1 status (<1% positive tumour cells) was also associated with better overall survival (p=0.021). The mean nuclear size of normal lung tissue pneumocytes was significantly smaller compared with the mean nuclear size of tumour cells of the resection specimens (median difference -38.1; range -115.2 to 16.0; p<0.001). The mean nuclear size of tumour cells did not differ between pretreatment biopsies and resection specimens (median difference -4.6; range -75.2 to 86.7; p=0.14). Nuclear size was not associated with survival (p=0.82).

CONCLUSIONS

Low proliferative activity determined by MIB-1 as well as a negative PD-L1 expression are significantly associated with better overall survival in patients with residual tumour after CRT for superior sulcus tumour.

Surgical management of superior sulcus tumors: A twenty-year experience of an oncological high volume referral centre

Objectives

Superior sulcus tumour, which affects the lung's apex, is an uncommon subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The current study examined the clinical characteristics and management of superior sulcus NSCLC patients in a high-volume referral oncological centre over 22 years.

Methods

Retrospective review of 100 surgeries with curative intent for superior sulcus NSCLC over 22 years (July 1998 - December 2020). The surgical approach was defined according to the lesion site and the anatomy of the thoracic inlet. Survival curves, including non-cancer-related deaths, were drawn using the Kaplan-Meier methods, and the log-rank test was used to evaluate differences in survival across groups of patients. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the association between selected clinical and pathologic characteristics on OS.

Results

54 patients received induction treatments. The surgical approach was anterior thoracotomy in 53 patients, Paulson incision in 30, and a combined in 8. The median postoperative length of stay was 11 days (range: 5 - 27 days). Overall 90-day mortality was 6.93%. The median OS was 24.3 months. After a median follow-up of 3 years, 5-year and 10-year OS rates were 33.9% and 26.4%, respectively. A significantly lower 5-year OS was observed in patients with the nodal disease (46.6% in pN0 vs 13.2% in pN+; p = 0.024), without preoperative treatments (41.0% in patients without preoperative treatments versus 17.4%; p = 0.09) and anteriorly located tumour (anterior vs posterior: 17.4% vs 49.1%; p = 0.032). Cox proportional hazards regression showed better survival in the pT1 stage (HR = 4.6; 95% CI: 1.9 - 11.2; p = 0.00076) and in R0 (HR = 4.2; 95% CI: 1.4 - 12.5; p = 0.010).

Conclusions

Superior sulcus tumours still represent a life-threatening condition that, while curable in a significant proportion of cases, requires complex procedures with high surgical risks and a multimodality treatment setting. An optimal surgical approach should be planned to maximise resection completeness and survival. Other factors affecting survival are related to tumour staging, emphasising the importance of a meticulous preoperative workup and candidate selection to identify those expected to benefit from a survival benefit.

Pancoast Tumor With Cardiac Metastases and Intracardiac Thrombosis

Pancoast tumor is a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer; cardiac metastasis is very uncommon. We present a case of advanced Pancoast tumor, with extensive cardiac metastases and intracardiac thrombosis in a woman presenting with dyspnea, shoulder pain, and weight loss. A contrast-enhanced chest computed tomographic scan revealed an apical mass, metastatic thoracic nodes, and filling defects within both ventricles. Further imaging with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed 2 left ventricular masses infiltrating into the myocardium suggestive of metastatic disease, and a multilobulated mass within the right ventricle suggestive of intracardiac thrombus. She was initiated on anticoagulation for intracardiac thrombosis. Surgical pathology of biopsied tissue samples was consistent with advanced metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. She was a poor candidate for surgical intervention. Given the patient's goals of care, she was ultimately transitioned to comfort care.

Neoadjuvant Therapy and Factors Influencing Survival in Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

AIM

We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) and clinicopathological characteristics in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (IIIA-IIIB), as well as the influence of the post-NAT treatment modalities on survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included patients who presented to the Dicle University Medical Oncology Clinic and received NAT for a diagnosis of locally advanced NSCLC between 2004 and 2020. Clinicopathological and radiological data of the 57 patients whose data could be retrieved from the hospital archive system were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' overall survival (OS) and failure-free survival (FFS) times and the factors influencing these times were evaluated.

RESULTS

This study included a total of 57 patients consisting of five (8.8%) females and 52 (91.2%) males. The median patient age at diagnosis was 58 (30-75) years. All patients had received four courses of chemotherapy during the neoadjuvant period. When the factors influencing OS were evaluated, the post-NAT modality was found to have a statistically significant effect on survival. FFS times were 12, 13, and 16 months in the chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, and surgery arms, respectively (log-rank p=0.035). FFS was longer in those who underwent surgery (Hazard ratio (HR): 0.33, 95 % CI: 0.14-0.77, (p=0.01)). OS times were 20, 21, and 55 months in the chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, and surgery arms, respectively (log-rank p=0.05). OS was longer in the arm undergoing surgery compared to the other arms (HR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.14-0.87, (p=0.02)). Five-year survival rates for the chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, and surgery arms were 14.3%, 21.4%, and 40%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that achieving an operable status is the most important indicator of survival and that patients undergoing surgery have a marked advantage in OS and FFS compared with patients receiving chemoradiotherapy or palliative chemotherapy.

Non-small cell lung cancer in China

In China, lung cancer is a primary cancer type with high incidence and mortality. Risk factors for lung cancer include tobacco use, family history, radiation exposure, and the presence of chronic lung diseases. Most early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients miss the optimal timing for treatment due to the lack of clinical presentations. Population-based nationwide screening programs are of significant help in increasing the early detection and survival rates of NSCLC in China. The understanding of molecular carcinogenesis and the identification of oncogenic drivers dramatically facilitate the development of targeted therapy for NSCLC, thus prolonging survival in patients with positive drivers. In the exploration of immune escape mechanisms, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor monotherapy and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy have become a standard of care for advanced NSCLC in China. In the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology's guidelines for NSCLC, maintenance immunotherapy is recommended for locally advanced NSCLC after chemoradiotherapy. Adjuvant immunotherapy and neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy will be approved for resectable NSCLC. In this review, we summarized recent advances in NSCLC in China in terms of epidemiology, biology, molecular pathology, pathogenesis, screening, diagnosis, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Five decades of progress in surgical oncology: Tumors of the lung and esophagus

During the past 50 years, there has been a remarkable transformation in the management of lung and esophageal cancers. Improved methods of diagnosis, better staging and patient selection for surgery, the advent of minimally invasive approaches to resection, decreasing operative mortality, greater insights into tumor biology, and the development of effective multimodality therapies and precision medicine have contributed to this transformation. Progress has been most notable in lung cancer.

Association of Pathologic Complete Response and Long-Term Survival Outcomes Among Patients Treated With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy or Chemoradiotherapy for NSCLC: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction

Increased efforts to optimize outcomes for early stage NSCLC through the investigation of novel perioperative treatment strategies are ongoing. An emerging question is the role of pathologic response and its association with long-term clinical outcomes after neoadjuvant therapy.

Methods

To investigate the association of pathologic complete response (pCR) and event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS), we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis identifying studies reporting on the prognostic impact of pCR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. To evaluate this prognostic value, an aggregated data (AD) meta-analyses was conducted to estimate the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) of EFS and OS for pCR. Using reconstructed individual patient data (IPD), pooled Kaplan-Meier curves were obtained to estimate this association in a more granular fashion. Subgroup analyses were conducted to further explore the impacts of study-level characteristics.

Results

A total of 28 studies comprising 7011 patients were included in the AD meta-analysis, of which, IPD was available for 6274 patients from 24 studies. Results from our AD meta-analysis revealed a pooled pCR rate of 18% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15%–21%), including significant improvements in OS (HR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.45–0.56) and EFS (HR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.37–0.57) on the basis of pCR status. Our IPD analysis revealed a 5-year OS rate of 63% (95% CI: 59.6–67.4) for patients with a pCR compared with 39% (95% CI: 34.5–44.5) for those without a pCR.

Conclusions

pCR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus or minus radiotherapy is associated with significant improvements in EFS and survival for patients with resectable NSCLC.

A Phase 1 Study of Concurrent Neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab Plus Chemoradiation Followed by Consolidation Pembrolizumab in Patients With Resectable Stage IIIA NSCLC

Introduction

Evidence supports the addition of immunotherapy to definitive chemoradiation for unresectable stage IIIA NSCLC. Adding pembrolizumab to neoadjuvant chemoradiation in patients with resectable stage IIIA NSCLC requires study for safety and feasibility.

Methods

Patients with resectable stage IIIA NSCLC received neoadjuvant cisplatin, etoposide, and pembrolizumab concurrently with thoracic radiotherapy of 45 Gy in 25 fractions. Patients without progression underwent resection followed by 6 months of consolidation pembrolizumab. Safety and feasibility were defined as less than or equal to 30% grade 3 or higher pulmonary toxicity or any grade 4 or 5 nonhematologic toxicity. A total of 10 patients were to be enrolled initially. If less than or equal to two patients had events, another 10 were to be enrolled.

Results

The study closed after enrolling nine patients. The median age was 66 (range: 49–76) years. A total of 67% were female. Median follow-up was 38.3 months. Serious adverse events occurred in seven patients, including two grade 5 events: one sudden cardiac arrest in the neoadjuvant phase and one fatal pneumocystis pneumonia after resection. Eight patients were assessable for response. The overall response rate was 67%. Six underwent complete resection. Four achieved pathologic complete response, whereas one additional patient had complete nodal clearance. Median progression-free survival has not been reached. The 3-year overall survival was 64%.

Conclusions

Adding pembrolizumab to neoadjuvant concurrent cisplatin, etoposide, and radiotherapy in resectable stage IIIA NSCLC resulted in an encouraging pathologic complete response rate. Higher-than-expected toxicities necessitated trial closure after meeting the rule for infeasibility. The relationship of grade 5 events to the addition of pembrolizumab is unclear.

Artificial intelligence in clinical applications for lung cancer: diagnosis, treatment and prognosis

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that includes research in robotics, language recognition, image recognition, natural language processing, and expert systems. AI is poised to change medical practice, and oncology is not an exception to this trend. As the matter of fact, lung cancer has the highest morbidity and mortality worldwide. The leading cause is the complexity of associating early pulmonary nodules with neoplastic changes and numerous factors leading to strenuous treatment choice and poor prognosis. AI can effectively enhance the diagnostic efficiency of lung cancer while providing optimal treatment and evaluating prognosis, thereby reducing mortality. This review seeks to provide an overview of AI relevant to all the fields of lung cancer. We define the core concepts of AI and cover the basics of the functioning of natural language processing, image recognition, human-computer interaction and machine learning. We also discuss the most recent breakthroughs in AI technologies and their clinical application regarding diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in lung cancer. Finally, we highlight the future challenges of AI in lung cancer and its impact on medical practice.

Hybrid robotic lobectomy with thoracic wall resection for superior sulcus tumor

A major challenge in treating superior sulcus tumors is achieving complete surgical resection because of technical difficulties associated with the anatomical structures and approaches to the thorax. Our technique combines posterior minimally invasive thoracotomy with robot-assisted right upper lobectomy, thereby reducing the invasiveness of the surgical approach and postoperative complications, including wound pain. In the presented case, the tumor was located on the apical right upper lobe, directly invading the apical thoracic wall structures. Hybrid robotic and minimally invasive thoracotomy with thoracic wall resection was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient discharged from our hospital with minimal wound pain.

Evolution of the Surgical Management of Lung Cancer Invading the Spine: A Single Center Experience

For patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer invading the spine, induction chemoradiotherapy combined with radical en bloc resection is the key to obtaining long-term survival. With time, our operative technique evolved to a two-step surgery as we experienced numerous perioperative complications during one step surgery. The aim of our study was to assess postoperative morbimortality and long-term survival of both techniques. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent en bloc resection for lung cancer invading the spine between October 2012 and June 2020. Every patient underwent induction therapy. Sixteen patients were included: nine patients were operated on with one step surgery, seven patients were operated on with two step interventions. Twenty-five percent of patients had major perioperative complications and 56.2% of patients had major post-operative complications. Patients in the “one step” group tended to have more perioperative complications whereas patients in the “two step” group tended to have more post-operative complications. Overall 3-year survival was 40% in the one-step and 86% in the two-step surgery group. Although our practice has been improved by two-step interventions, post-operative morbidity remains significant. As long term survivals are encouraging, this type of treatment should still be proposed for highly selected patients, in specialized centers.

Case Report: Aumolertinib as Neoadjuvant Therapy for Patients With Unresectable Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With Activated EGFR Mutation: Case Series

Background

There is no standard treatment for stage III lung cancer due to its low surgical resection rate, and improving PFS and survival of patients with III NSCLC has become an urgent challenge in clinical treatment. For EGFR mutation-positive patients, targeted therapy has the remarkable feature of high efficiency and low toxicity compared with first-line standard chemotherapy, and targeted neoadjuvant therapy needs to be further explored.

Method

We report 3 diagnosed cases of locally advanced unresectable NSCLC with EGFR-sensitive mutations who first received 1–2 cycles of preoperative chemotherapy neoadjuvant therapy and were treated with 110 mg daily of 3rd-generation EGFR-TKI aumolertinib instead because of poor efficacy or safety intolerance.

Result

After 2 cycles of aumolertinib treatment, all 3 patients achieved symptomatic remission and significant tumor size reduction and achieved downstaging to allow surgical treatment. No additional operative difficulties were added during the surgery. They continued to receive adjuvant therapy with the original dose of aumolertinib after surgical treatment, and no evidence of tumor recurrence was found until the most recent imaging examination. In addition, the course of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy was free of serious adverse effects.

Conclusion

Perioperative treatment of these three cases of locally advanced unresectable NSCLC with EGFR-sensitive mutations with the third-generation EGFR-TKI aumolertinib showed significant efficacy and excellent safety and may be a new option for targeted therapy in the perioperative period.

Moreira MDP, Lantuejoul S, Shu CA, Rizvi NA, Sonett JR, Tajima K, Sun SW, Gitlitz BJ, Colby TV. Assessing Pathologic Response in Resected Lung Cancers: Current Standards, Proposal for a Novel Pathologic Response Calculator Tool, and Challenges in Practice

The efficacy of neoadjuvant treatment for NSCLC can be pathologically assessed in resected tissue. Major pathologic response (MPR) and pathologic complete response (pCR), defined as less than or equal to 10% and 0% viable tumor cells, respectively, are increasingly being used in NSCLC clinical trials to establish them as surrogate end points for efficacy to shorten time to outcome. Nevertheless, sampling and MPR calculation methods vary between studies. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer recently published detailed recommendations for pathologic assessment of NSCLC after neoadjuvant treatment, with methodology being critical. To increase methodological rigor further, we developed a novel MPR calculator tool (MPRCT) for standardized, comprehensive collection of percentages of viable tumor, necrosis, and stroma in the tumor bed. In addition, tumor width and length in the tumor bed are measured and unweighted and weighted MPR averages are calculated, the latter to account for the varying proportions of tumor beds on slides. We propose sampling the entire visible tumor bed for tumors having pCR regardless of size, 100% of tumors less than or equal to 3 cm in diameter, and at least 50% of tumors more than 3 cm. We describe the uses of this tool, including potential formal analyses of MPRCT data to determine the optimum sampling strategy that balances sensitivity against excessive use of resources. Solutions to challenging scenarios in pathologic assessment are proposed. This MPRCT will facilitate standardized, systematic, comprehensive collection of pathologic response data with a standardized methodology to validate studies designed to establish MPR and pCR as surrogate end points of neoadjuvant treatment efficacy.

Current Surgical Indications for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Simple Summary

The management strategy for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been transformed by our improved understanding of the cancer biology and concomitant development of novel systemic therapies. Complete surgical resection of NSCLC continues to offer the best chance for cure or local and regional disease control, and with improvements in minimally invasive techniques and enhanced recovery, the morbidity associated with surgical resection has been reduced. Patient-centered multi-disciplinary discussions that consider surgical therapy are associated with improved outcomes. Provided with promising novel therapeutic modalities including immune checkpoint inhibitors with or without chemotherapy, stereotactic radiotherapy, and targeted systemic therapies, indications for surgery continue to evolve and have expanded to include selected patients with advanced and metastatic disease.

Abstract

With recent strides made within the field of thoracic oncology, the management of NSCLC is evolving rapidly. Careful patient selection and timing of multi-modality therapy to permit the optimization of therapeutic benefit must be pursued. While chemotherapy and radiotherapy continue to have a role in the management of lung cancer, surgical therapy remains an essential component of lung cancer treatment in early, locally and regionally advanced, as well as in selected, cases of metastatic disease. Recent and most impactful advances in the treatment of lung cancer relate to the advent of immunotherapy and targeted therapy, molecular profiling, and predictive biomarker discovery. Many of these systemic therapies are a part of the standard of care in metastatic NSCLC, and their indications are expanding towards surgically operable lung cancer to improve survival outcomes. Numerous completed and ongoing clinical trials in the surgically operable NSCLC speak to the interest and importance of the multi-modality therapy even in earlier stages of NSCLC. In this review, we focus on the current standard of care indications for surgical therapy in stage I-IV NSCLC as well as on the anticipated future direction of multi-disciplinary lung cancer therapy.

Management of Early-Stage Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Consensus Statement of the Lung cancer Consortium

BACKGROUND

Management of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (ES-NSCLC) has evolved over the last few years especially in terms of work-up and the use of systemic therapy. This consensus statement was developed to present updated guidelines for the management of this disease.

METHODS

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) of lung cancer experts convened to discuss a set of pertinent questions with importance relevance to the management of ES-NSCLC. ES-NSCLC includes stages I, II and resected stage III. The experts included consultants in chest imaging, thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. Questions were discussed in virtual meetings and then a written manuscript with supporting evidence was drafted, reviewed, and approved by the team members.

RESULTS

The Consensus Statement included 9 questions addressing work-up and management of ES-NSCLC. Background information and literature review were presented for each question followed by specific recommendations to address the questions by oncology providers. The Statement was endorsed by various oncology societies in the Gulf region.

CONCLUSION

The Consensus Statement serves as a guide for thoracic MDT members in the management of ES-NSCLC. Adaptation of these to the local setting is dictated usually by available resources and expertise, however, all efforts should be excreted to provide the optimal care to all patients whenever possible.

Study protocol for JCOG1807C (DEEP OCEAN): a interventional prospective trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of durvalumab before and after operation or durvalumab as maintenance therapy after chemoradiotherapy against superior sulcus non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Superior sulcus tumours (SSTs) are relatively uncommon and one of the most intractable lung cancers among non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We planned a multicenter, single-arm confirmatory trial of new multidisciplinary treatment using immune-checkpoint inhibitor. The aim is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new multidisciplinary treatment with perioperative durvalumab after chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

Methods

The primary endpoint is 3-year overall survival. Patients receive induction CRT with sequential two courses of durvalumab, followed by surgical resection for resectable SST. The regimen for CRT is two courses of cisplatin and S-1, and concurrent radiotherapy (66 Gy/33 Fr). After surgery, 22 courses of post-operative durvalumab therapy are administered. For unresectable SST, an additional 22 courses of durvalumab are administered after induction durvalumab.

Results

In two cases as a safety cohort, the safety of intervention treatment up to 30 days after surgery was examined, and there were no special safety signals. Patient enrollment has now resumed in the main cohort.

Conclusions

The results of this study may contribute to the establishment of a new standard of care for SST, which is an intractable NSCLC.

Combined video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery and posterior midline incision for en bloc resection of non-small-cell lung cancer invading the spine

OBJECTIVES

This article aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a hybrid video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) approach to achieve en bloc lobectomy and spinal resection for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Between October 2015 and November 2020, 10 patients underwent VATS anatomical lobectomy and en bloc chest wall and spinal resection through a limited posterior midline incision as a single operation for T4 (vertebral involvement) lung cancer. Nine patients had Pancoast syndrome without vascular involvement and 1 patient had NSCLC of the right lower lobe with invasion of T9 and T10.

RESULTS

There were 5 men and 5 women. The mean age was 61 years (range: 47-74 years). Induction treatment was administered to 9 patients (90%). The average operative time was 315.5 min (range: 250-375 min). The average blood loss was 665 ml (range: 100-2500 ml). Spinal resection was hemivertebrectomy in 6 patients and wedge corpectomy in 4 patients. Complete resection (R0) was achieved in all patients. The average hospitalization stay was 14 days (range: 6-50 days). There was no in-hospital mortality. The mean follow-up was 32.3 months (range: 6-66 months). Six patients (60%) are alive without recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

VATS is feasible and safe to achieve en bloc resection of NSCLC inviding the spine without compromising oncological efficacy. Further experience and longer follow-up are needed to determine if this approach provides any advantages over thoracotomy.

Management of Stage III Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: ASCO Guideline

PURPOSE

To provide evidence-based recommendations to practicing clinicians on management of patients with stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

An Expert Panel of medical oncology, thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, pulmonary oncology, community oncology, research methodology, and advocacy experts was convened to conduct a literature search, which included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials published from 1990 through 2021. Outcomes of interest included survival, disease-free or recurrence-free survival, and quality of life. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 127 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Evidence-based recommendations were developed to address evaluation and staging workup of patients with suspected stage III NSCLC, surgical management, neoadjuvant and adjuvant approaches, and management of patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/thoracic-cancer-guidelines.

Lung Auto-transplantation for Bulky Superior Sulcus Tumor with Hilar Involvement

Lung auto-transplantation with ex vivo bench surgery is a useful surgical technique for centrally-located and locally-advanced lung cancer to spare lung parenchyma by avoiding pneumonectomy. Here, we present a case of bulky superior sulcus tumor with hilar involvement for which lung-sparing complete resection was achieved with auto-transplantation. After concurrent chemo-radiotherapy, en bloc resection consisting left pneumonectomy combined with apical chest wall resection (1-4ribs), back-table extended double-sleeve resection following lung preservation, and re-implantation of basal segment was performed. Postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient is alive without tumor recurrence at 18 months after surgery.

[Mediastinal Staging]

Thorough mediastinal staging is pivotal for prognostic assessment and treatment planning in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without distant metastasis. It aims to answer the question of whether a technically and functionally feasible operation also makes sense from an oncological point of view. In case of a nodal-free mediastinum, primary surgical therapy can be considered. If the ipsilateral mediastinal lymph nodes are affected, multimodal therapy should be sought. Operating is usually no longer the first step, especially with extensive lymph node infestation. Surgery is recommended, if neoadjuvant (radio-)chemotherapy has achieved downstaging or major response. If the contralateral mediastinal lymph nodes are involved, curative surgery is no longer part of the therapeutic concept. The therapy of choice in this situation is definitive chemo-radiotherapy.Guidelines for mediastinal staging consistently require to combine radiological, nuclear medicine and minimally invasive methods. Imaging with CT and PET allows an initial assessment of the mediastinal status. In most cases it has to be complemented with tissue confirmation. Echoendoscopic assessment of the mediastinum with needle biopsy is the minimally invasive method of first choice ("needle first"). Surgical staging methods are reserved for situations, that cannot be satisfactorily clarified by echoendoscopy.Technique and outcome of the different methods are described and algorithms are presented for different oncological situations.

Adjuvant chemotherapy following combined induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy improves survival in N2-3-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the clinical value of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) following concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) and induction chemotherapy (ICT) in loco-regionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANC).

METHODS

We included 839 newly diagnosed LANC patients in this study. ICT plus CCRT (ICT + CCRT group) was administered to 443 patients, and 396 patients received ACT after ICT plus CCRT (ICT + CCRT + ACT group). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were carried out. Furthermore, propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to balance the study and control groups.

RESULTS

A total of 373 pairs of LANC patients were obtained after PSM analysis. We found that ACT following ICT + CCRT has no significant effect on improving the survival of LANC patients. By further exploring the ICT + CCRT + ACT treatment protocol, we excluded N0-1-positive patients and re-performed PSM in the ICT + CCRT and ICT + CCRT + ACT groups. Each group consisted of 237 patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that there were differences between the ICT + CCRT and ICT + CCRT + ACT groups in terms of the 5-year overall survival (OS) (78.9% vs. 85.0%, P = 0.034), disease-free survival (DFS) (73.4% vs. 81.7%, P = 0.029), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) (84.9% vs. 76.0%, P = 0.019). In addition, the ICT + CCRT + ACT group had a higher incidence of grade 3/4 acute leukocytopenia/neutropenia.

CONCLUSION

Compared with ICT + CCRT, ACT following ICT plus CCRT can reduce distant metastasis of N2-3-positive LANC and improve the OS and DFS. The results demonstrated the feasibility and clinical utility of ACT following ICT plus CCRT.