Publikation
Stage III N2 non-small cell lung cancer treatment: decision-making among surgeons and radiation oncologists
Wissenschaftlicher Artikel/Review - 01.04.2021
Glatzer Markus, Kocher Gregor Jan, Kraxner Peter, Krueger Thorsten, Martucci Francesco, Oehler Christoph, Ozsahin Mahmut, Papachristofilou Alexandros, Wagnetz Dirk, Zaugg Kathrin, Zwahlen Daniel, Opitz Isabelle, Kestenholz Peter, Karenovics Wolfram, Leskow Pawel, Caparrotti Francesca, Elicin Olgun, Furrer Markus, Gambazzi Franco, Dutly André, Gelpke Hans, Guckenberger Matthias, Heuberger Jürg, Inderbitzi Rolf, Cafarotti Stefano, Putora Paul Martin
Bereiche
PubMed
DOI
Zitation
Art
Zeitschrift
Veröffentlichungsdatum
ISSN (Druck)
Seiten
Kurzbeschreibung/Zielsetzung
Background
Stage III N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a very heterogeneous disease associated with a poor prognosis. A number of therapeutic options are available for patients with Stage III N2 NSCLC, including surgery [with neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy (CTx)/neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT)] or CRT potentially followed by adjuvant immunotherapy. We have no clear evidence demonstrating a significant survival benefit for either of these approaches, the selection between treatments is not always straightforward and can come down to physician and patient preference. The very heterogeneous definition of resectability of N2 disease makes the decision-making process even more complex.
Methods
We evaluated the treatment strategies for preoperatively diagnosed stage III cN2 NSCLC among Swiss thoracic surgeons and radiation oncologists. Treatment strategies were converted into decision trees and analysed for consensus and discrepancies. We analysed factors relevant to decision-making within these recommendations.
Results
For resectable "non-bulky" mediastinal lymph node involvement, there was a trend towards surgery. Numerous participants recommend a surgical approach outside existing guidelines as long as the disease was resectable, even in multilevel N2. With increasing extent of mediastinal nodal disease, multimodal treatment based on radiotherapy was more common.
Conclusions
Both, surgery- or radiotherapy-based treatment regimens are feasible options in the management of Stage III N2 NSCLC. The different opinions reflected in the results of this manuscript reinforce the importance of a multidisciplinary setting and the importance of shared decision-making with the patient.