CT-guided iodine-125 brachytherapy is an effective palliative treatment for the right lower paratracheal lymph nodes metastasis previously treatment failure

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of iodine-125 brachytherapy as a treatment for right lower paratracheal lymph node metastasis following unsuccessful prior therapies.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent iodine-125 brachytherapy for right lower paratracheal lymph node metastasis was conducted. The study included 24 patients who met the predefined criteria. Iodine-125 seeds were implanted under CT guidance, and treatment planning was performed using a treatment planning system. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR), while overall survival (OS) and complications were secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

The ORR was 87.5%, with 4 patients achieving complete response (CR) and 17 patients achieving partial response (PR). The mean diameter of metastatic lymph nodes significantly reduced from 40.21 ± 6.66 mm before treatment to 12.25 ± 9.27 mm at the last follow-up (p < 0.001). The median OS was 14.70 months, with 1-year and 2-year survival rates of 78.9% and 20.9%, respectively. Clinical symptoms significantly improved, as indicated by increased Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) scores. Complications were manageable, with no procedure-related deaths.

CONCLUSION

Iodine-125 brachytherapy demonstrated promising efficacy and safety as an alternative treatment for right lower paratracheal lymph node metastasis after unsuccessful prior therapies.

[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.

Outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitors for postoperative recurrence of non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective treatment options for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, there is a dearth of data on outcomes of patients receiving ICIs for postoperative recurrence. The objective of this study was to investigate the short- and long-term outcomes of patients who received ICIs for postoperative recurrence.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed to identify consecutive patients who received ICIs for postoperative recurrence of NSCLC. We investigated therapeutic responses, adverse events, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Survival outcomes were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients, with a median age of 72 years were identified between 2015 and 2022. The median follow-up period after ICI initiation was 13.1 months. Adverse events of grade ≥ 3 were observed in 29 (33.3%) patients, including 17 (19.5%) patients with immune-related adverse events. The median PFS and OS of the whole cohort were 3.2 and 17.5 months, respectively. Limited to those receiving ICIs as first-line therapy, the median PFS and OS were 6.3 and 25.0 months, respectively. On multivariable analysis, smoking history (HR: 0.29, 95% CI 0.10-0.83) and non-squamous cell histology (HR: 0.25, 95% CI 0.11-0.57) were associated with more favorable PFS in patients receiving ICIs as first-line treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes in patients receiving ICIs as first-line treatment appear acceptable. A multi-institutional study is required to confirm our findings.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors as a first-line treatment for postoperative recurrent and EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer

 

OBJECTIVES

To clarify survival outcomes and prognostic factors of patients receiving epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) - tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as first-line treatment for postoperative recurrence.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed to identify consecutive patients who received EGFR-TKIs as first-line treatment for postoperative recurrence of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harbouring EGFR gene mutations at our institution between August 2002 and October 2020. Therapeutic response, adverse events, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were investigated. Survival outcomes were assessed using the Kaplan–Meier analysis. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for univariable and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients were included in the study. The objective response and disease control rates were 53% and 92%, respectively. Grade 3 or greater adverse events were noted in 4 (6.3%) patients, including 1 patient (1.6%) of interstitial pneumonia. The median follow-up period was 28.5 months (range 3–202 months). The total number of events was 43 for PFS and 23 for OS, respectively. The median PFS was 18 months, and the median OS was 61 months after EGFR-TKI treatment. In multivariable analysis, osimertinib showed a tendency to prolong PFS [hazard ratio (HR) 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12–1.1; P = 0.071], whereas the micropapillary component was significantly associated with shorter OS (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.02–6.9; P = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

EGFR-TKIs as first-line treatment appeared to be a reasonable treatment option in selected patients with postoperative recurrent EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Osimertinib and the micropapillary component may be prognostic factors.

Salvage radiation therapy for postoperative locoregionally recurrent non-small cell lung cancer: a single-center experience

Purpose

To determine the effectiveness of salvage radiation therapy (RT) in patients with locoregional recurrence (LRR) following initial curative resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and identify the prognostic factors affecting survival.

Materials and Methods

Between January 2009 and January 2019, 54 patients with LRR after NSCLC surgery were treated with salvage RT (83.3%) or concurrent chemoradiation therapy (16.7%). Twenty-three (42.6%), 21 (38.9%), and 10 (18.5%) patients had local, regional, and both recurrences, respectively. The median RT dose was 66 Gy (range, 37.5 to 70 Gy). The radiation target volume included recurrent lesions with or without regional lymphatics depending on the location and recurrence type.

Results

The median follow-up time from the start of RT was 28.3 months (range, 2.4 to 112.4 months) and disease-free interval (DFI) from surgery to recurrence was 21.0 months (range, 0.5 to 92.3 months). Tumor response after RT was complete response, partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease in 17, 29, 5, and 3 patients, respectively. The rates of freedom from local progression at 1 and 2 years were 77.2% and 66.0%, respectively. The median survival duration after RT was 24.8 months, and the 2-year overall survival (OS) rate was 51.1%. On univariate analysis, initial stage, recurrence site, DFI, and tumor response after RT were significant prognostic factors for OS. DFI ≥12 months and tumor response after RT were statistically significant factors on multivariate Cox analysis for OS.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of salvage RT for LRR of NSCLC following curative surgery.

Course of postoperative relapse in non-small cell lung cancer is strongly associated with post-progression survival

Background

For early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), surgical resection is considered the most effective treatment strategy and curative treatment. Unfortunately, even after complete resection, almost half of all patients with stage I–IIIA NSCLC relapse and die. Although the possibility of a cure for postoperative recurrence of NSCLC is significantly low, the course of subsequent treatment can possibly affect overall survival (OS). Here, we examined the association of relapse‐free survival (RFS) and post‐progression survival (PPS) with OS in patients with postoperative recurrence of NSCLC.

Methods

We evaluated 128 patients with NSCLC who underwent complete resection between January 2007 and December 2018. The association between RFS and PPS on OS was examined at the patient level.

Results

Spearman's rank correlation and linear regression analyses revealed that PPS was strongly correlated with OS (r = 0.83, p < 0.05, R² = 0.72), whereas RFS was weakly associated with OS (r = 0.56, p < 0.05, R² = 0.37). Additionally, the performance status at relapse and administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors were significantly correlated with PPS.

Conclusions

PPS was significantly more strongly correlated with OS than was RFS in patients with postoperative recurrence of NSCLC. These results suggest that therapy following postoperative recurrence affects OS. Therefore, it is necessary to validate these promising results in a large prospective study.

Updated long-term outcomes of salvage surgery after stereotactic body radiotherapy for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer

There is dearth of data regarding the long-term survival outcomes of salvage surgery after stereotactic body radiotherapy for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer, as previous studies have included a short follow-up period. There is also scarce information on the management of re-relapse in previous studies. This study examined the long-term survival outcomes of patients who underwent salvage surgery for isolated local relapse (LR). We reviewed consecutive patients who underwent salvage surgery for isolated LR after stereotactic body radiotherapy for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer between 1999 and 2015. All patients were followed up until death or at least 5 years from salvage surgery. Twelve patients were included for analysis. The median follow-up from isolated LR was 62.4 (range: 14.3-152.1) months. The 5-year overall survival rate was 58.3%, updated from 79.5% in our previous report. During the interim, new re-relapses did not occur, whereas there were 5 additional deaths. The median survival after re-relapse was 32.6 months. Our follow-up report confirmed that our patient selection for salvage surgery appeared to be appropriate and that long-term follow-up is required to assess the outcomes of patients undergoing salvage surgery. Long-term follow-up would provide detailed information on late re-relapses, treatment and outcomes of re-relapses and mortality from any causes.

Salvage Photon or Proton Radiotherapy for Oligo-recurrence in Regional Lymph Nodes After Surgery for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

To evaluate the outcome of definitive salvage radiotherapy (RT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with oligo-recurrence in regional lymph nodes after surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2003 and December 2016, 33 patients with NSCLC were reviewed from radiotherapy database at our hospital. All patients received photon or proton salvage RT for metastases in the regional lymph nodes.

RESULTS

The median follow-up from salvage RT was 35.2 (range=5.9-89.6) months. Recurrences occurred in 18 (55%) patients, and the 3-year overall and progression-free survival rates were 63.8% and 45.1%, respectively. Regional and local control improved patients' survival and these control rates were increased by use of concurrent chemotherapy (p=0.039) and proton RT (p=0.084). No grade 4 acute or late non-hematologic toxicities were observed.

CONCLUSION

Salvage RT is an effective treatment for NSCLC patients with oligo-recurrence at regional lymph nodes.

CT-guided iodine-125 brachytherapy as salvage therapy for recurrent mediastinal lymph node metastasis

Background

The treatment of recurrent mediastinal lymph node metastasis (MLNMs) is challenging. We conducted this study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of computed tomography (CT)‐guided percutaneous iodine‐125 brachytherapy for MLNMs.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 33 patients with recurrent MLNMs treated with CT‐guided interstitial implantation of iodine‐125 seeds. Regular contrast‐enhanced CT was conducted to evaluate the tumor response. Follow‐up survival, quality of life, and adverse events were analyzed.

Results

The number of implanted seeds was 16–85 (median, 40). The matched peripheral dose was 110–160 Gy. The patients were followed up for 5–24 months (median, 14 months). At the last follow‐up or death, complete response to therapy was achieved in 11 patients (33.3%) and partial response in 18 patients (54.5%). The median survival time of this cohort was 15.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.9–20.5 months); the estimated one‐ and two‐year survival rates were 68.6% and 31.1%, respectively. The Karnofsky performance score increased significantly after the procedure (p = 0.007). Pneumothorax with pulmonary compression of 30% to 40% occurred in five (15.2%) patients and was cured after drainage. No severe complications occurred.

Conclusions

CT‐guided iodine‐125 brachytherapy provided a safe and effective choice for recurrent mediastinal lymph node metastasis with significant local therapeutic effects and minor complications, especially for patients who were not eligible for surgical resection and had failed to benefit from systemic therapy.

First-Line EGFR-TKIs Treatment in Stage I Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients Harboring EGFR Gene Mutations with Postoperative Intrapulmonary Recurrence

Background

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) is an effective treatment for advanced lung cancer harboring EGFR gene mutations, and has improved progression-free survival in several clinical trials.

Methods

We investigated 30 stage I non-small-cell lung cancer patients harboring EGFR gene mutations with postoperative intrapulmonary recurrence. Progression-free survival and response rate were analyzed.

Results

Partial response was achieved in 23 patients and stable disease was found in 7 patients. The objective response rate was 76.7% and disease control rate was 100%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) time was 24.5 months. The median PFS in patients with only intrapulmonary recurrence was significantly superior to patients with both intrapulmonary recurrence and metastasis (32.0 months vs 14.0 months, P = 0.003). The median PFS observed in patients who underwent icotinib treatment was significantly longer than in patients who underwent gefitinib treatment (30.5 months vs 12.0 months, p = 0.005). There were no statistical differences in median PFS between patients with tumors harboring exon 21 mutation and exon 19 deletion, age <65 and ≥65, male and female, smoker and non-smoker.

Conclusion

Our result reveals that first-line EGFR-TKIs treatment for stage I non-small-cell lung cancer patients harboring EGFR gene mutations with postoperative intrapulmonary recurrence is effective and could be a useful option in practical setting.

Identification of the Best Prognostic Marker Among Immunonutritional Parameters Using Serum C-Reactive Protein and Albumin in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

Three immune-nutritional parameters exist for malignant tumors using serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin: the Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), the modified GPS (mGPS), and the CRP-albumin ratio (CAR). However, it remains unclear which of the three parameters is the most predictive of prognosis. Therefore, this study compared the clinical and prognostic significance of these parameters for non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC).

METHODS

The study retrospectively enrolled 596 NSCLC patients who underwent surgical resection at the authors' institution from January 2010 to December 2015 and investigated the clinicopathologic significance of GPS, mGPS, and CAR. The optimal cutoff value for CAR was determined by a receiver operating curve (ROC).

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 69 years. Lymph node metastases were identified in 99 patients, and 455 patients had a diagnosis of stage 1 disease. The positivity for GPS was 7.6%, and that of mGPS (score, 1 or 2) was 12.2%. Of the 596 patients, 480 patients (80.5%) were classified in the high CAR group. In univariate survival analyses, all three parameters were associated significantly with postoperative survival. The multivariate analyses showed CAR to be an independent prognostic factor. Additionally, survival analyses of the stage 1 subgroup were performed because CAR was higher for patients with an advanced stage of disease or lymph node metastases. In these subgroup analyses, CAR also was an independent prognostic factor.

CONCLUSION

As the most prognostic index, CAR may be useful among the immunonutritional parameters using CRP and albumin for resected NSCLC.

Diagnosis of recurrence and follow-up using FDG-PET/CT for postoperative non-small-cell lung cancer patients

BACKGROUND

There is currently no consensus regarding the best program for postoperative follow-up and surveillance after a curative resection for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We examined the diagnostic capability of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) for detecting recurrence in postoperative NSCLC patients, and we evaluated the results of postoperative surveillance using FDG-PET/CT in asymptomatic patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2005 and 2013, 496 FDG-PET/CT examinations were performed to detect recurrences for 187 NSCLC patients who had undergone potentially curative operations at our institution. Follow-up FDG-PET/CT was performed ≥ 1 × /year in principle in 172 asymptomatic patients without clinical or radiological evidence of recurrence, and the results were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

FDG-PET/CT correctly diagnosed recurrence in 46 of 47 (97.9%) patients and 68 of 69 (98.6%) recurrent sites. The following were obtained: 97.9% sensitivity, 97.1% specificity, 92.0% positive predictive value, 99.3% negative predictive value, and 97.3% accuracy. In six patients, other diseases were detected and treated appropriately. In asymptomatic patients, the detection rate of recurrence in the stage III group was significantly higher than the detection rates in the stage I and II groups, and FDG-PET/CT performed ≤ 3 years post-resection detected significantly more FDG-positive lesions compared to that performed after 4 years.

CONCLUSION

FDG-PET/CT is very useful for detecting recurrence in NSCLC patients after a potentially curative operation. It might be sufficient to perform follow-up FDG-PET/CT until 3 years post-resection for advanced-stage patients. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to determine whether the early detection of recurrences leads to better prognoses.

Definitive Local Therapy for Oligo-recurrence in Patients With Completely Resected Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to elucidate a curable subgroup among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who developed postoperative recurrence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1986 and 2012, among the 1408 patients who underwent complete anatomic lung resection for NSCLC at our institution, 420 developed recurrence. After excluding 14 patients with insufficient information about recurrence, 406 were included in this retrospective study. We investigated the association between several clinicopathologic factors and postrecurrence overall survival (PR-OS) and postrecurrence progression-free survival (PR-PFS).

RESULTS

The 5-year PR-OS and PR-PFS rates were 14.0% and 5.9%, respectively. By multivariate analysis, female sex, longer disease-free interval, specific targeted therapy, recent recurrence, oligo-recurrence, and definitive local therapy (DLT) were found to be independent favorable prognostic factors for both PR-OS and PR-PFS. Among these 6 prognostic factors, although female sex, longer disease-free interval, and specific targeted therapy were associated with a prolonged median PR-PFS time, they were not associated with an improved 5-year PR-PFS rate. In contrast, recent recurrence, oligo-recurrence, and DLT were associated with improvement in both the median PR-PFS time and 5-year PR-PFS rate.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that recent recurrence, oligo-recurrence, and DLT were associated with an improved median PR-PFS time and long-term PR-PFS rate in patients with postoperative recurrence after complete resection of NSCLC. On the basis of these results, we believe that DLT should be considered first for patients with oligo-recurrence before applying noncurative treatment.

Clinical Features and Prognostic Factor of Thoracic Postoperative Oligo-Recurrence of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Objective

The study aimed to clarify clinical features and prognostic factors of thoracic oligo-postoperative recurrences that underwent local therapy of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

From 2332 patients of resected pathological stage I–IIIA NSCLC between 2008 and 2015, a total of 542 patients in follow developed recurrence. Thoracic oligo-recurrence was defined as 1–3 loco-regional confined to lung lobe, hilar/mediastinal lymph nodes, bronchial stump, or chest wall. This study included 56 thoracic oligo-recurrences. Local therapy included secondary surgery, stereotactic radiotherapy, radiotherapy with a 45 Gy or higher dose, and proton radiation therapy, performed with radical intent. We retrospectively reviewed the postoperative data and performed the univariate and multivariate analysis by Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression models, respectively.

Results

Thoracic Oligo-recurrence was identified in 56(542,10.3%) patients, mainly in lung lobe(n=22,39%) and regional lymph nodes(n=19,34%). Compared with distant oligo-recurrences, more of the thoracic oligo-recurrences were II–III in pathological stage at initial surgery(p=0.002) and less were adenocarcinoma(p=0.005). The 5-year postoperative survival rate and postoperative progression-free survival rate of thoracic oligo-recurrence were 10.8% and 6.7%, respectively. Median post-recurrence survival (PRS) was 31 months, and the median postoperative progression-free survival (PR-PFS) was 17 months. Multivariate analyses revealed that time to recurrence ≥ 12 months was associated with improved PRS [odds ratio (OR) 0.74, confidence interval (CI) 0.65–0.85], and regional lymph node oligo-recurrence was associated with poor PRS [OR 1.48, CI 1.38–1.60]. All the five long-term (≥5-year) progression-free survivors were with a solitary pulmonary recurrence.

Conclusion

Thoracic postoperative oligo-recurrence of non-small-cell lung cancer is a limited but highly heterogeneous population, with different prognosis at different recurrence sites. Local therapy for thoracic oligo-recurrence of NSCLC achieved favourable PRS in a selected population. Pulmonary solitary oligo-recurrence may achieve a long survival time.

Survival Implications of De Novo Versus Recurrent Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

OBJECTIVES

Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a poor prognosis. Most patients present with stage IV, and many patients treated curatively with stage I to III develop recurrent metastatic disease. It is unknown whether the natural history differs between patients with recurrent versus de novo metastatic NSCLC. We hypothesized that de novo metastatic status is associated with decreased overall survival compared with recurrent metastatic disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was completed of all patients with NSCLC referred to BC Cancer from 2005 to 2012. Two cohorts were created; de novo metastatic disease and patients treated with curative intent (surgery or radiotherapy) that developed recurrent, metastatic disease. Information was collected on known prognostic and predictive factors. Overall survival was calculated from the date of diagnosis of metastatic disease.

RESULTS

A total of 9651 patients were evaluated, 5782 (60%) with de novo stage IV disease, and 3869 (40%) with stage I to III disease. Of the 1658 patients who received curative therapy for stage I to III disease, 757 (46%) developed metastases. Patients in the de novo cohort versus recurrent cohort were more likely male (52% vs. 48%), have poorer performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group≥2 50% vs. 44%), and receive no palliative systemic therapy (67% vs. 61%). The median overall survival in the de novo cohort was 4.7 versus 6.9 m in the recurrent cohort (P<0.001). De novo status was associated with shorter overall survival and this remained significant in a multivariate model that incorporated known prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large population-based study of NSCLC, de novo metastatic status was independently associated with decreased overall survival from the time of metastatic disease diagnosis.

Salvage Surgery After Chemotherapy or Chemoradiotherapy for Initially Unresectable Lung Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Salvage surgery is used for resection of locoregionally recurrent or regrowing lesions after treatment for unresectable non-small cell lung cancer. It is also used to resect lesions that have regressed after treatment and that had not initially been indicated for resection. Relationships between salvage surgery, safety, and prognosis, however, have remained unclear.

METHODS

Between 2006 and 2017, 29 patients received salvage resection (median age, 60 years; 25 men and 4 women). Safety and prognosis were analyzed.

RESULTS

Tumor grade at the time of initial treatment was stage III or IV in 23 and 6 patients, respectively. Twenty-two patients received chemoradiotherapy (radiation, 40-66 Gy) and 7 received chemotherapy. Time from initial treatment to surgery ranged from 2 to 60 months. Segmentectomy, lobectomy, bilobectomy and pneumonectomy were performed in 1, 25, 2, and 1 patients, respectively. Combined resections were needed in 17 patients; this included 10 bronchoplasties, 9 pulmonary arterioplasties, 4 chest wall resections, and 1 great vessel resection. There was no 30-day postoperative mortality. Grade 3 or higher-grade postoperative complications (mostly cardiopulmonary) were observed in 11 patients. Five-year overall survival after initial treatment was 61%; after surgery it was 51%. Five-year relapse-free survival after surgery was 49%. On recurrent-free survival patients with clinical stage III at the initial treatment, pathologic stage 0-II, or a good response to initial treatment showed a favorable prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although cardiopulmonary complications can accompany salvage surgery, the procedure is generally safe. Survival outcome is encouraging, especially in cases with good response to initial treatment.

Hepatectomy for rapidly growing solitary liver metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer: a case report

Background

Patients with liver metastasis from non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) usually have multiple metastases at other sites and thus rarely undergo liver surgery. We present a case involving successful resection of rapidly growing liver metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.

Case presentation

A 74-year-old man had undergone left lower lobectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, which was diagnosed pathologically as stage IA. A computed tomography (CT) scan that was taken 12 months after lung resection showed an irregularly shaped mass lesion (size, 8.3 cm) in segment five of the liver. Retrospectively, the mass was identifiable on CT 6 months before this initial recognition. Although the lesion showed rapid growth, positron emission tomography and brain magnetic resonance imaging ruled out the possibility of other metastatic lesions. Therefore, we performed right hepatectomy 14 months after the initial lung surgery. The patient was pathologically diagnosed with liver metastasis from lung cancer and has remained free from recurrence 41 months after the liver surgery, without receiving any adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Although there is no reliable clinical indicator for selecting oligo-recurrence, hepatectomy could be an option for solitary liver metastasis from NSCLC for patients who are in good health.

Infrared intraoperative fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green in thoracic surgery

Thoracic surgery faces many unique challenges that require innovative solutions. The increase in utilization of minimally invasive practices, poor overall cancer survival and significant morbidity of key operations remain key obstacles to overcome. Intraoperative fluorescence imaging is a process by which fluorescent dyes and imaging systems are used as adjuncts for surgeons in the operating room. Other surgical subspecialists have shown that intraoperative fluorescence imaging can be applied as a practical adjunct to their practices. Thoracic surgeons over the last 15 years have also used intraoperative fluorescence imaging for sentinel lymph node mapping, lung mapping, oesophageal conduit vascular perfusion and lung nodule identification. This review describes some of the key studies that demonstrate the applications of intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging.

Salvage Concurrent Chemo-radiation Therapy for Loco-regional Recurrence Following Curative Surgery of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose

This study is to report clinical outcomes of salvage concurrent chemo-radiation therapy (CCRT) in treating patients with loco-regional recurrence (LRR) following initial complete resection of non-small cell lung cancer.

Materials and Methods

Between February 2004 and December 2016, 127 patients underwent salvage CCRT for LRR. The median radiation therapy (RT) dose was 66 Gy and clinical target volume was to cover recurrent lesion with margin without elective inclusion of regional lymphatics. Majority of patients (94.5%) received weekly platinum-based doublet chemotherapy during RT course.

Results

The median follow-up time from the start of CCRT was 25 months. The median survival duration was 49 months, and overall survival (OS) rates at 2 and 5 years were 72.9% and 43.9%. The 2- and 5-year rates of in-field failure-free survival, distant metastasis free survival, and progression free survival were 82.4% and 73.8%, 50.4% and 39.9%, and 34.6% and 22.3%, respectively. Grade ≥ 3 radiation-related esophagitis and pneumonitis occurred in 14 (11.0%) and six patients (4.7%), respectively. On both univariate and multivariate analysis, higher biologically equivalent dose (BED₁₀) (≥ 79.2 Gy₁₀ vs. < 79.2 Gy₁₀; hazard ratio [HR], 0.431), smaller CTV (≤ 80 cm³ vs. > 80 cm³; HR, 0.403), and longer disease-free interval (> 1 year vs. ≤ 1 year; HR, 0.489) were significantly favorable factors for OS.

Conclusion

The current study has demonstrated that high dose salvage CCRT focused to the involved lesion only was highly effective and safe. In particular, higher BED₁₀, smaller CTV, and longer disease-free interval were favorable factors for improved survival.

Adjuvant vinorelbine and cisplatin after complete resection of stage II and III non-small cell lung cancer: long-term follow-up of our study of Japanese patients

PURPOSE

We reported previously a phase II study of adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of four cycles of vinorelbine (25 mg/m²) and cisplatin (40 mg/m²), given on days 1 and 8, every 4 weeks, to Japanese patients with completely resected stage II or III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC; UMIN 000005055). However, the follow-up was too short for us to evaluate a definitive 5-year overall survival rate and after-effects.

METHODS

Between December 2006 and January 2011, 60 patients were enrolled in this study. We analyzed relapse-free and overall survival, long-lasting adverse effects, the influence of treatment on recurrent tumors, and the development of a second primary cancer, in relation with the regimen.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up period of 95.8 months, the 5-year relapse-free and overall survival rates were 51.7 and 76.7%, respectively. Neuralgia developed in one patient and this was the only case of a long-lasting adverse effect. Recurrence developed in 31 patients, 29 of whom received intensive treatment. Although 16 s (or more) primary neoplasms developed among 13 patients, these were common carcinomas in Japan and did not include sarcoma or hematologic malignancies.

CONCLUSION

Adjuvant vinorelbine and cisplatin chemotherapy showed encouraging relapse-free and overall survival rates, and long-term safety in Japanese patients with resected NSCLC.

Current outcomes of postrecurrence survival in patients after resection of non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Despite complete resection, patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) sometimes experience recurrence in various sites, generally with an unfavorable prognosis. Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have produced a dramatic response in patients with advanced NSCLC harboring sensitive mutations.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 281 patients with recurrence who underwent complete resection of their NSCLC between January 2005 and December 2013 with tumors in which the status of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, KRAS mutation, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement was confirmed. Clinicopathological factors, including mode of recurrence, oncogenic status, and postrecurrence survival (PRS), were reviewed. We aimed to investigate the prognostic factors of PRS by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Among the 281 patients, 135 patients (48.0%) with EGFR mutation, 33 (11.7%) with KRAS mutation, 13 (4.7%) with ALK rearrangement, and 100 (35.6%) with triple negative (TN) mutation were identified. Median survival time after recurrence was 26.1 months. In multivariate analysis, the presence of EGFR mutation, pStage I, the presence of both local and systemic therapies for recurrence, and longer time to recurrence (TTR) were significant favorable factors for PRS. With regard to the initial site of recurrence, the presence of pleural and/or bone recurrence reduced PRS significantly. The presence of pulmonary recurrence increased PRS, especially in patients with EGFR- or ALK-mutated tumors.

Conclusions

This study documented the current outcomes of PRS. EGFR mutated status, pStage I, longer TTR and presence of multimodal therapy for recurrence were favorable factors for PRS.

Prognostic Factors for Post Recurrence Survival in Resected Pathological Stage I Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Background

Recurrence of lung cancer after surgical resection is a major obstacle in the cure and long-term survival of patients and has become the most common cause of death. However, prognostic factors and efficacy of therapy after recurrence remain controversial. We evaluated the prognostic factors of post recurrence survival (PRS) in patients of resected stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Of the 551 patients who underwent surgery for stage I NSCLC between 2005 and 2013, we reviewed 89 (16.2%) patients who had recurrence. We examined PRS using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

Results

The median follow-up period after recurrence was 21.0 months. The median recurrence free interval (RFI) was 16.8 months. The 1-year PRS and 3-year PRS were 65.6% and 44.7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that size of primary lesion > 25 mm (P = 0.048), RFI ≤ 17 months (P = 0.048) and no treatment for recurrence (P < 0.001) were independent poor-prognosis factors of PRS. We further examined PRS in 66 patients who underwent any post recurrence therapy. For the patients who underwent treatment after recurrence, bone metastasis (P = 0.025) and treatment without epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) (P = 0.049) were independent poor prognostic factors.

Conclusion

PRS may be associated with characteristics of a recurrent lesion, including the biology of the recurrent tumor, RFI, recurrent site, the treatment for recurrence, rather than characteristics of primary lesion. Although further validation is needed, this information is important for the design of clinical trials for post-recurrence therapy.

Prognostic factors in operated T3 non-small cell lung cancer: A retrospective, single-center study of 129 patients

Background

This study aims to investigate the prognostic factors that affect survival rates and durations in patients with T3 non-small cell lung cancer who underwent surgery.

Methods

A total of 129 patients with T3 n on-small c ell l ung c ancer (125 males, 4 females; mean age 60±9.3 years; range 23 to 80 years) who were performed surgery in our clinic between January 1997 and December 2013 were evaluated retrospectively in terms of age, gender, type of resection, tumor histopathology, tumor, node and metastasis staging, lymph node invasion, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and recurrence.

Results

During the evaluation, while 61 patients (47.3%) were alive, 68 (52.7%) had lost their lives. One-, two- and five-year survival rates of the study population were 79.8%, 56.9% and 23.2%, respectively. Mean duration of survival was 41.5±4.0 months (range 33.7-49.4 months). Patient's age or tumor histopathology did not affect the duration of survival. Overall duration of survival was significantly longer in patients of stage IIB, patients who had low stages of lymph node invasion, who were performed lobectomy, who received chemotherapy or radiotherapy or who were without recurrence (p<0.05 for each). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that lymph node invasion, presence of recurrence or pneumonectomy, or failure to have been administered chemotherapy increased mortality risk significantly (hazard ratios 0.217, 3.369, 2.791 and 2.254, respectively).

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that lymph node invasion, presence of recurrence or pneumonectomy, or failure to have been administered chemotherapy are poor prognostic factors in T₃ non-small cell lung cancer. Prognostic factors should be taken into consideration during treatment and follow-up periods of patients with T₃ non-small cell lung cancer.

Survival significance of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and current staging system for survival after recurrence in patients with completely resected lung adenocarcinoma

Objective

We previously reported that the staging system and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status are key factors for treatment strategy and predicting survival. However, the significance of these factors as predictors of overall survival (OS) and postoperative recurrence survival (PRS) has not been sufficiently elucidated. The objective here was to investigate EGFR mutation status and p-stage, which affect PRS and OS in patients with completely resected lung adenocarcinoma, using a different database.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively reviewed 56 consecutive lung adenocarcinoma patients with disease recurrence in St. Marianna University Hospital between January 2010 and December 2014.

Results

EGFR mutants (M) were detected in 16/56 patients (29%). The patients with EGFR M had a better OS than those with EGFR wild-type (WT) status (5-year survival: 50.3% vs 43.1, P=0.133). There was no significant difference in the 3-year recurrence-free survival rate between patients with M and WT (6.3% vs 7.7%, P=0.656), and the patients with EGFR M had a significantly better 3-year PRS than those with WT (77.4% vs 51.7%, P=0.033). The 3-year PRS rate for patients with M/pathologic stage (p-stage) I–II (87.5%) was better than that for patients with M/p-stage III (60.0%), WT/p-stage I–II (52.7%), and WT/p-stage III (43.8%). There was a significant difference between patients with M/p-stage I and WT/p-stage I–II or WT/p-stage III (P=0.021 and 0.030, respectively). During the study period, of the 16 patients with mutants, 12 patients (75%) received EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy and among the 40 patients with WT, no patient received EGFR-TKI therapy. Multivariate survival analysis showed that patients with EGFR-TKI therapy had a statistically significant association with favorable PRS (hazard ratio 0.271; 95% confidence interval 0.074–1.000; P=0.050).

Conclusion

EGFR status and p-stage were found to be essential prognostic factors for estimating PRS using this database. The recurrent patients with EGFR M and EGFR-TKI therapy had a statistically significant association with favorable PRS.

Impact of the oncogenic status on the mode of recurrence in resected non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

Surgical resection is employed in patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer. Despite complete resection, recurrence is sometimes observed. Oncogenic mutations promote initiation and progression of lung cancer, and mutation status predicts treatment outcome of advanced non-small cell lung cancer; however, their impact on the recurrence patterns remains poorly understood.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 401 patients showing recurrence after complete resection of non-small cell lung cancer. Clinicopathological factors were reviewed for time to recurrence, and recurrence patterns were compared according to oncogenic status and examined according to EGFR mutational subtype.

RESULTS

Among 401 patients, 185 with EGFR mutation, 46 with KRAS mutation, 15 with ALK rearrangement and 155 with triple-negative mutation were identified. Multivariate analysis following univariate analyses showed that younger age, well-moderately-differentiated histology, earlier pathologic stage and presence of EGFR or ALK mutation were favorable prognostic factors for time to recurrence. Locoregional recurrence was observed in 53.3% of ALK-positive patients, being significantly common in these patients than in EGFR- and KRAS-positive patients. EGFR-positive patients mostly experienced pleural recurrence, the incidence of which was significantly higher in triple-negative mutation patients. Adrenal recurrence was observed in 7.2% of triple-negative mutation patients, but it was rarely identified in EGFR-positive patients. Among EGFR-positive patients, the incidence of brain metastases was significantly higher in L858R cohort than in Del Ex19 cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

In resected non-small cell lung cancer, younger age, well-moderately-differentiated histology, earlier pathologic stage and presence of EGFR or ALK mutation were favorable factors for TTR, and distinct recurrence patterns were revealed according to oncogenic mutation status and mutational EGFR subtype. Our results may provide suggestions for developing a strategy for follow-up and adjuvant therapies after resection.

Clinical evaluation of stereotactic radiation therapy for recurrent or second primary mediastinal lymph node metastases originating from non-small cell lung cancer

Aims

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT, both stereotactic body RT [SBRT] and fractionated stereotactic RT [FSRT]) in the treatment of patients with recurrent or second primary mediastinal lymph node metastases (R/SP-MLNMs) originating from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Between 10/2006 and 7/2013, patients with R/SP-MLNMsoriginating from NSCLC were enrolled and treated with SRT at our hospital; their data was stored in prospectively-collected database. The enrolled patients were divided into Group A (without prior RT) and Group B (with prior RT). The primary end-point was overall survival (OS). The secondary end-points were the MLNM local control (LC), the time to symptom alleviation, and toxicity using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v4.0).

Results

Thirty-three patients were treated (16 in Group A with 19 R/SP-MLNMs and 17 in Group B with 17 R/SP-MLNMs). For the entire cohort, the median OS was 25.5 months with a median follow-up of 20.9 months (range, 3.2-82). The 1-year and 3-year actuarial LC rates were 100% and 86%, respectively. Symptom alleviation was observed in 52% of patients, after a median of 6 days (range, 3-18). CTCAE v4.0 ≥ Grade 3 toxicities occurred in 5 patients (15%; all in Group B); among them, Grade 5 in 2 patients.

Conclusions

We recommend exercising extreme caution in using SRT for R/SP-MLNMs in patients who received prior RT (particularly to LN station 7). For patients without previous RT, SRT appears to be safe and efficacious treatment modality; prospective studies are warranted.

Planned FDG PET-CT Scan in Follow-Up Detects Disease Progression in Patients With Locally Advanced NSCLC Receiving Curative Chemoradiotherapy Earlier Than Standard CT

The role of positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) in surveillance of patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with curatively intended chemoradiotherapy remains controversial. However, conventional chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) are of limited value in discriminating postradiotherapy changes from tumor relapse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of PET-CT scan in the follow-up for patients with locally advanced (LA) NSCLC receiving concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).Between 2009 and 2013, eligible patients with stages IIB-IIIB NSCLC were enrolled in the clinical trial NARLAL and treated in Odense University Hospital (OUH). All patients had a PET-CT scan scheduled 9 months (PET-CT9) after the start of the radiation treatment in addition to standard follow-up (group A). Patients who presented with same clinical stage of NSCLC and received similar treatment, but outside protocol in OUH during this period were selected as control group (group B). Patients in group B were followed in a conventional way without PET-CT9. All patients were treated with induction chemotherapy followed by CCRT.Group A included 37 and group B 55 patients. The median follow-up was 16 months. Sixty-six (72%) patients were diagnosed with progression after treatment. At the time of tumor progression, patients in group A had better performance status (PS) than those in group B (P = 0.02). Because of death (2 patients), poor PS (3) or retreatment of relapse (9), only 23 patients had PET-CT9 in group A. Eleven (48%) patients were firstly diagnosed with progression by PET-CT9 without any clinical symptoms of progression. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 8.8 months in group A and 12.5 months in group B (P = 0.04). Hazard function PFS showed that patients in group A had higher risk of relapse than in group B.Additional FDG PET-CT scan at 9 months in surveillance increases probability of early detection of disease progression in advanced NSCLC patients treated with curatively intended CCRT.

Postoperative oligo-recurrence of non-small-cell lung cancer: clinical features and survival†

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative recurrences of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are usually disseminated and systemic. Recently, the concept of oligo-recurrence, which is theoretically curable by definitive local therapy (DLT), has been proposed in several cancers. The aim of this study was to clarify clinical features and outcomes of patients with postoperative oligo-recurrence of NSCLC.

METHODS

From 3275 patients with resected pathological stage IA-IIIB NSCLC between 1993 and 2011, a total of 768 patients who developed recurrence were included in this study. Oligo-recurrence was defined as 1-3 loco-regional or distant recurrent lesions restricted to a single organ. Other recurrences were classified as poly-recurrence. Second primary lung cancers and suspected lesions were excluded. DLT included surgery, stereotactic radiotherapy and radiotherapy with a 45 Gy or higher dose, performed with curative intent.

RESULTS

Oligo-recurrence was identified in 162 (21%) patients, mainly as a solitary recurrence (n = 129, 80%) in regional lymph nodes, brain, lung, bone and adrenal gland, and the proportion of patients with oligo-recurrence increased gradually year by year. The patients with oligo-recurrence had more early-staged disease at initial surgery and a longer time to recurrence than those with poly-recurrence. The entire population of oligo-recurrence patients had better post-recurrence survival (PRS) than those with poly-recurrence (5-year PRS: 32.9 vs 9.9%, P < 0.001). For oligo-recurrence, DLT was totally conducted in 105 (65%) patients as initial treatment. Multivariate analyses revealed that the initial DLT was associated with improved PRS [odds ratio (OR) 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29-0.68]. The recurrence location and initial pathological stage did not affect PRS. The 5-year PRS and postoperative progression-free survival rates after DLT were 38.6 and 22.3%, respectively. Of the 10 long-term (≥5-year) progression-free survivors, 9 were those with a solitary recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial DLT for oligo-recurrence achieved favourable PRS in a selected population. Oligo-recurrence curable by DLT was found in a subset of patients who received DLT, mostly as a solitary recurrence.

Post-recurrence survival of elderly patients 75 years of age or older with surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of elderly patients 75 years of age or older with recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

A total of 1237 consecutive patients with NSCLC underwent pulmonary resection at our institution. Of these patients, 280 experienced postoperative recurrence. The rate of the post-recurrence survival and predictors were analyzed independently in a group of younger patients (<75 years) and a group of elderly patients (≥75 years).

RESULTS

There were 215 younger patients (<75 years) and 65 elderly (≥75 years) patients at the time of diagnosis of recurrence. The median post-recurrence survival time and the five-year survival rate of all cases were 25 months and 20.8%, respectively. There were no significant survival differences between the younger and elderly groups (p = 0.20). A univariate analysis determined that gender, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, smoking status, histological type and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status were factors influencing the post-recurrence survival among the elderly patients. In addition, a multivariate analysis determined the EGFR mutation status to be an independent prognostic factor for the post-recurrence survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients 75 years of age or older in this study achieved satisfactory long-term outcomes.

Prognostic Factors for Survival After Recurrence in Patients With Completely Resected Lung Adenocarcinoma: Important Roles of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation Status and the Current Staging System

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status and pathological stage (p-stage) were shown to be essential prognostic factors for estimating survival after recurrence of lung adenocarcinoma. In patients with EGFR mutations, those with early p-stage tumors showed better survival after disease recurrence than those with advanced p-stage tumors. The EGFR mutation status and p-stage could also prompt the design of clinical trials on adjuvant therapy for patients after complete surgical resection.

BACKGROUND

The current staging system and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status are key factors for predicting survival. However, the significance of these factors as predictors of survival after disease recurrence (PRS) has not been sufficiently elucidated. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological factors, particularly the EGFR mutation status and pathological stage (p-stage), which affect PRS in patients with completely resected lung adenocarcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 198 consecutive lung adenocarcinoma patients with disease recurrence who previously underwent complete surgical resection in our hospital.

RESULTS

Of the 198 patients, 117 were examined for EGFR mutations (mutants). Mutants were detected in 57 patients (28.7%). The patients with mutants had a significantly better 3-year PRS (3y-PRS) rate (68.6%) than those with an EGFR wild type (WT) status (51.7%) or an unknown (UN) status (27.0%). The 3y-PRS rates for p-stage I to II (p-I-II) and p-stage III (p-III) were 52.5% and 29.3%, respectively. Multivariate survival analysis showed that the EGFR mutation status and p-stage had significant associations with favorable PRS. The 3y-PRS rate for mutants/p-I-II (81.4%) was significantly better than that for mutants/p-III (48.0%). Conversely, there was no significant difference between mutants/p-III and WT/UN/p-I-II (3y-PRS: 40.7%) or between mutants/p-III and WT/UN/p-III (3y-PRS: 24.4%).

CONCLUSION

EGFR status and p-stage were shown to be essential prognostic factors for estimating PRS. In patients with mutants, those with early p-stage tumors showed better PRS than those with advanced p-stage tumors.

Prognostic factors for cases with no extracranial metastasis in whom brain metastasis is detected after resection of non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine prognostic factors associated with postrecurrence survival in cases with postoperative brain metastasis but with no extracranial metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 1992 and 2012, a total of 2832 patients underwent surgical resection for NSCLC. Among those, 86 patients had postoperative brain metastasis as the initial recurrence. Those patients were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time after the initial lung resection was 24.0 months (range, 2.0-126.0 months). The median overall survival after initial lung cancer resection was 25.0 months and the median overall postrecurrence survival was 11 months. An initial lesion of adenocarcinoma (hazard ratio, 0.548; 95% confidence interval, 0.318 to 0.946; p=0.031), non-pneumonectomy, and a disease-free interval longer than 10.0 months (hazard ratio, 0.565; 95% confidence interval, 0.321-0.995; p=0.048) from the initial lung resection to the diagnosis of brain metastasis positively related to a good postrecurrence survival. Solitary brain metastasis and a size of less than 3 cm for the largest brain lesion were also positive factors for postrecurrence survival. Systemic chemotherapy for brain metastasis (hazard ratio, 0.356; 95% confidence interval, 0.189-0.670; p=0.001) and local treatment of surgery and/or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain lesions (hazard ratio, 0.321; 95% confidence interval, 0.138-0.747; p=0.008) were positive factors for better postrecurrence survival.

CONCLUSION

In patients with brain metastasis after resection for NSCLC with no extracranial metastasis, adenocarcinoma histologic type, longer disease-free interval, systemic chemotherapy for brain metastasis and local treatment of surgery and/or SRS for brain metastasis are independent positive prognostic factors for postrecurrence survival.