Evaluation of TMN classification for lung carcinoma with ipsilateral intrapulmonary metastasis

Prognostic factors and survival prediction of resected non-small cell lung cancer with ipsilateral pulmonary metastases: a study based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database

BACKGROUND

Prognostic factors and survival outcomes of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with Ipsilateral pulmonary metastasis (IPM) are not well-defined. Thus, this study intended to identify the prognostic factors for these patients and construct a predictive nomogram model.

METHODS

One thousand, seven hundred thirty-two patients with IPM identified between 2000 to 2019 were from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Independent prognostic factors were identified using multivariate Cox regression analyses. Nomograms were constructed to predict the overall survival (OS), C-index, the area under the curve (AUC), and the calibration curve to determine the predictive accuracy and discrimination; the decision curve analysis was used to confirm the clinical utility.

RESULTS

Patients were randomly divided into training (n = 1213) and validation (n = 519) cohorts. In the training cohort, the multivariable analysis demonstrated that age, sex, primary tumor size, N status, number of regional lymph nodes removed, tumor grade, and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for IPM. We constructed a 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS prediction nomogram model using independent prognostic factors. The C-index of this model for OS prediction was 0.714 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.692 to 0.773) in the training cohort and 0.695 (95% CI, 0.660 to 0.730) in the validation cohort. Based on the AUC of the receiver operating characteristic analysis, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis, we concluded that the prognosis model of IPM exhibited excellent performance. Patients with total nomogram points greater than 96 were considered high-risk.

CONCLUSION

We constructed and internally validated a nomogram to predict 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS for NSCLC patients with IPM according to independent prognostic factors. This nomogram demonstrated good calibration, discrimination, clinical utility, and practical decision-making effects for the prognosis of NSCLC patients with IPM.

Identification of GPD1L as a Potential Prognosis Biomarker and Associated with Immune Infiltrates in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most prevalent pathological kinds of lung cancer, which is a common form of cancer that has a high death rate. Over the past several years, growing studies have indicated that GPD1L was involved in the advancement of a number of different cancers. However, its clinical significance in LUAD has not been investigated. In this study, following an examination of the TGCA datasets, we found that GPD1L displayed a dysregulated state in a wide variety of cancers; this led us to believe that GPD1L is an essential regulator in the progression of malignancies. In addition, we found that the expression of GPD1L was much lower in LUAD tissues when compared with nontumor specimens. According to the findings of ROC tests, GPD1L was able to effectively identify LUAD specimens from nontumor samples with an AUC value of 0.828 (95% confidence interval: 0.793 to 0.863). On the basis of the clinical study, a low expression of GPD1L was clearly related with both the N stage and the clinical stage. Moreover, based on the findings of a Kaplan-Meier survival study, elevated GPD1L expression was a strong indicator of considerably improved overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). GPD1L expression and clinical stages were found to be independent prognostic indicators for overall survival and disease-free survival in LUAD patients, according to multivariate analyses. Based on multivariate analysis, the C-indexes and calibration plots of the nomogram demonstrated an effective prediction performance for LUAD patients. Besides, the expression of GPD1L was positively related to mast cells, eosinophils, Tcm, TFH, iDC, DC, and macrophages, while negatively associated with Th2 cells, NK CD56dim cells, Tgd, Treg, and neutrophils. Finally, qRT-PCR was able to demonstrate that GPD1L had a significant amount of expression in LUAD. Additionally, according to the results of functional tests, overexpression of GPD1L had a significant inhibiting effect on the proliferation of LUAD cells. In general, the results of our study suggested that GPD1L had the potential to serve as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for LUAD.

Operative Indications for Lung Cancer with Satellite Lesions

In deciding the surgical treatment for lung cancer, it is important to differentiate between a small satellite lesion that is probably benign, a pulmonary metastatic lesion, or a double cancer. The operative indications for lung cancer with small satellite lesions detected on preoperative helical computed tomography were retrospectively examined. We collected 43 small nodules ≤1 cm in diameter from 32 patients. A definitive diagnosis was made by follow-up computed tomography in 3 of 19 ipsilateral lesions and in 9 of 24 contralateral lesions. The final diagnosis of the satellite lesions was malignant in 13 and benign in 30. The 13 malignant lesions consisted of 2 pulmonary metastases and 11 double cancers. Two patients with stage IIb and IIIb disease on clinical staging of the main tumor had pulmonary metastases. Patients with clinical stage I disease had a higher probability that the small lesions were benign or double cancers than those with advanced disease beyond clinical stage I.

Outcome of surgical resection as a first line therapy in T3 non-small cell lung cancer patients

BACKGROUND

The T3 category of the 7th Edition of the TNM classification of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has added two factors that do not appear in the 6th Edition, large tumor size (>7 cm) and pulmonary metastasis of the same lobe. These factors are considered to have different biological and clinical features. In the present study we assessed the outcome of surgical resection as a first line therapy for T3 NSCLC.

METHODS

A total of 145 patients who were diagnosed according to the TNM 7th Edition with pathologic T3 NSCLC received surgical resection in our institution as a first line treatment. The outcomes of their treatment were analyzed.

RESULTS

The 5-year survival rate was 46.9 %. On the basis of the 6th TNM Edition, the 5-year survival rate was 63.1 % for patients diagnosed with T2 disease (large tumor size), 44.3 % for patients diagnosed with T3 disease, and 33.1 % for patients diagnosed with T4 disease (pulmonary metastasis of the same lobe). There were no significant correlations between these categories and overall survival (OS). Nevertheless, 6th Edition T factors were found to be significantly correlated with lymph node status (p < 0.01). The univariate analyses showed that age, lymph node metastasis, and curative resection had significant effects on OS. In addition, the multivariate analysis identified age and N factor as independent prognostic factors in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Indications for surgical resection as a first line therapy in T3 NSCLC should be based on N factors and patient age. Lymph node metastasis, especially N2 disease, was increasingly frequent in patients with 6th Edition T classifications.

2nd ESMO Consensus Conference on Lung Cancer: early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer consensus on diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

To complement the existing treatment guidelines for all tumour types, ESMO organises consensus conferences to focus on specific issues in each type of tumour. The 2nd ESMO Consensus Conference on Lung Cancer was held on 11-12 May 2013 in Lugano. A total of 35 experts met to address several questions on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in each of four areas: pathology and molecular biomarkers, first-line/second and further lines in advanced disease, early-stage disease and locally advanced disease. For each question, recommendations were made including reference to the grade of recommendation and level of evidence. This consensus paper focuses on early-stage disease.

Special treatment issues in non-small cell lung cancer: Diagnosis and management of lung cancer, 3rd ed: American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based clinical practice guidelines

BACKGROUND

This guideline updates the second edition and addresses patients with particular forms of non-small cell lung cancer that require special considerations, including Pancoast tumors, T4 N0,1 M0 tumors, additional nodules in the same lobe (T3), ipsilateral different lobe (T4) or contralateral lung (M1a), synchronous and metachronous second primary lung cancers, solitary brain and adrenal metastases, and chest wall involvement.

METHODS

The nature of these special clinical cases is such that in most cases, meta-analyses or large prospective studies of patients are not available. To ensure that these guidelines were supported by the most current data available, publications appropriate to the topics covered in this article were obtained by performing a literature search of the MEDLINE computerized database. Where possible, we also reference other consensus opinion statements. Recommendations were developed by the writing committee, graded by a standardized method, and reviewed by all members of the Lung Cancer Guidelines panel prior to approval by the Thoracic Oncology NetWork, Guidelines Oversight Committee, and the Board of Regents of the American College of Chest Physicians.

RESULTS

In patients with a Pancoast tumor, a multimodality approach appears to be optimal, involving chemoradiotherapy and surgical resection, provided that appropriate staging has been carried out. Carefully selected patients with central T4 tumors that do not have mediastinal node involvement are uncommon, but surgical resection appears to be beneficial as part of their treatment rather than definitive chemoradiotherapy alone. Patients with lung cancer and an additional malignant nodule are difficult to categorize, and the current stage classification rules are ambiguous. Such patients should be evaluated by an experienced multidisciplinary team to determine whether the additional lesion represents a second primary lung cancer or an additional tumor nodule corresponding to the dominant cancer. Highly selected patients with a solitary focus of metastatic disease in the brain or adrenal gland appear to benefit from resection or stereotactic radiosurgery. This is particularly true in patients with a long disease-free interval. Finally, in patients with chest wall involvement, provided that the tumor can be completely resected and N2 nodal disease is absent, primary surgical resection should be considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Carefully selected patients with more uncommon presentations of lung cancer may benefit from an aggressive surgical approach.

Approach to the patient with multiple lung nodules

It can be difficult to determine whether a patient with more than a single, "solid" lung nodule suspicious for malignancy is suffering from synchronous primary tumors or intrapulmonary metastasis. For this reason, if resection can be performed an aggressive approach is often warranted after demonstrating no mediastinal nodal disease. Increasing evidence suggests that the survival of a patient with a single, invasive lepidic-predominant adenocarcinoma depends on the stage of the invasive tumor, not on the presumed multiple in situ tumors. A suggested clinical approach to each of these types of multifocal tumors, solid and lepidic, is proposed in this article.

The revised stage classification system for primary lung cancer

The revised stage classification system has improved the ability of clinicians to estimate prognosis based on specific staging determinations. Several important questions have been addressed, although many remain and will likely fuel the discussion for subsequent revisions. Perhaps more than previous revisions, the current iteration may cause confusion because of the emphasis on stage-specific treatment recommendations. However, prognosis is only 1 of the factors in a multidisciplinary treatment plan, and clinicians are encouraged to apply randomized trial data whenever possible. This global staging effort is testament to the progress that is possible through international collaboration.

[Anatomy, biology and concepts, pertaining to lung cancer stage classification]

尽管用于此修订本的大样本量患者数据库已极大地拓宽了我们的知识面，但最新提出的肺癌分期系统仍以解剖学特征为基础。可以预见，由于所鉴定出的患者亚群数目不断增加，肺癌分期系统变得愈加复杂。表述这些亚组的临床特征有可能为我们提供肿瘤亚组特殊的生物学行为特性的线索。本文探索了可用于以解剖学为基础的新分期系统的肿瘤生物学相关观念。

Nuclear expression of CXCR4 in tumor cells of non-small cell lung cancer is correlated with lymph node metastasis

The stromal-derived factor 1alpha (CXCL12)/chemokine receptor CXCR4 system plays an important role in the metastatic process of a variety of cancers, with CXCR4 frequently expressed by tumor cells homing to CXCL12-rich compartments. The current study evaluated a possible association of CXCR4 expression with lymph node metastasis in primary non-small cell lung cancer. CXCR4 expression levels were evaluated using immunohistology in 46 non-small cell lung cancer specimens of patients without or with lymph node involvement (N0 = 24, N1/N2/N3 = 22). Evaluation of immunostaining was performed semiquantitatively by visual assessment. Statistical analyses with multiple testing adjustments for confirmatory comparisons were performed to assess relevant parameters associated with lymph node metastases. In all samples of non-small cell lung cancer, tumor cells stained positively for cytoplasmic CXCR4. The intensity of the CXCR4 staining varied considerably between specimens: 2 (4%) tumors demonstrated weak cytoplasmic CXCR4, 22 (48%) intermediate, and 22 (48%) strong staining. Membranous staining was absent; however, nuclear staining of CXCR4 was observed in 5 non-small cell lung cancer samples. Statistical analyses of the association between presence of lymph node metastases and CXCR4 expression levels revealed that cytoplasmic CXCR4 expression was not associated with the presence of lymph node metastases. However, nuclear CXCR4 was significantly correlated with increasing lymph node stage (P = .008), linear-to-linear association. The association between aberrant expression of CXCR4 in the nucleus of non-small cell lung cancer and metastasis to lymph nodes points toward a potential tumor metastasis promoting function of nuclear CXCR4.

Surgical treatment of synchronous multiple primary lung cancers: Experience of 92 patients

OBJECTIVES

According to our previous study, the concurrent detection of p53 and epidermal growth factor receptor mutations significantly improves the clonality assessment and impact management of patients with multiple primary lung cancer. Nevertheless, the treatment, outcome, and safety of patients with this complex disease remain controversial. This series of cases detail our experiences with surgical resections in 92 patients during the past 16 years.

METHODS

A database of 1651 patients was evaluated for unilateral and bilateral synchronous multiple primary lung cancers. The relationships among the location of tumors, number of tumors, tumor size, tumor histology, vascular invasion, regional lymph node metastasis, extranodal extension, type of surgery, mortality, and survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

The 5-year survival for all synchronous multiple primary lung cancers was 35.3%. The overall surgical mortality was 1.1%. Notably, lymph node metastasis, extranodal extension, vascular invasion, tumors with adenosquamous carcinoma or different histology, and poor survival were observed. Multivariate analysis showed that only the occurrence of lymph node metastasis remained a statistically significant prognostic factor. The 5-year survivals were 15.5% [corrected] and 52.5% [corrected] for patients with and without lymph node metastasis, respectively (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

An aggressive surgical approach is safe and justified in patients with synchronous multiple primary lung cancers and node-negative diseases. The status of this particular form of non-small cell lung cancers might be considered in the conventional TNM staging system for more accurate prediction of patient prognosis.

Prognostic Factors in Resected Satellite–Nodule T4 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

The 1997 non-small cell lung cancer staging revisions assigned a T4 descriptor to satellite nodules in the primary tumor lobe. We reviewed our experience of satellite-nodule T4 non-small cell lung cancer following these revisions and evaluated prognostic factors for this group.

METHODS

All patients who underwent resection of non-small cell lung cancer between April 1997 and June 2005 with satellite nodule(s) confirmed at pathologic examination were identified from our institutional Lung Tumor Registry. Case notes and pathology reports were reviewed and data collected on possible prognostic factors. Survival was modeled using the Kaplan-Meier method, and survival differences between groups were analyzed using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

From 1,276 non-small cell lung cancer patients who underwent resection, 137 were staged pT4, and 35 were T4-satellite nodules. Median follow-up was 25 months (range, 1 to 102 months). Median main tumor size was 3.0 cm (range, 1 to 9.8 cm). Adenocarcinoma or bronchioloalveolar carcinoma was the predominant histologic diagnosis (n = 28; 80%). One-, 3- and 5-year survival was 86%, 69%, and 57%, respectively; median survival was 68 months. During the same period, 137 patients undergoing resection for all T4 lesions had a 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival of 68%, 53%, and 18%, respectively. Adenocarcinoma or bronchioloalveolar carcinoma histologic diagnosis (adenocarcinoma or bronchioloalveolar carcinoma versus squamous, 75% versus 67% 3-year survival; p = 0.0026), female gender (66% versus 49% for males, 5-year survival; p = 0.041), and absence of vascular invasion (no invasion versus vascular invasion, 74% versus 20% 5-year survival; p = 0.0101) were significant predictors of better survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival for resected T4 non-small cell lung cancer with satellite nodule(s) in the primary lobe is better than for other T4 lesions, and the T4 descriptor may unduly upstage these cases. The current T4 descriptor represents a heterogeneous population.

Intrapulmonary metastasis in resected pathologic stage IIIB non–small cell lung cancer: Possible contribution of aerogenous metastasis to the favorable outcome

OBJECTIVE

Non-small cell lung cancer with pulmonary metastasis in the primary lobe (PM+) is classified as pathologic stage IIIB. Although stage IIIB PM+ indicates a poor prognosis, this stage includes various subgroups with heterogeneous clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to extract a subgroup of patients with stage IIIB PM+ non-small cell lung cancer with a better prognosis and assess their biological characteristics and metastatic mechanisms.

METHODS

We reviewed 122 cases of surgically resected stage IIIB PM+ non-small cell lung cancer and extracted a subgroup with a favorable outcome by univariate analysis of clinicopathologic factors. The 15 cases without lymph node metastasis and vessel invasion (PM+/N-/VI-) were extracted as the most favorable group. We assessed the clinicopathologic features of the PM+/N-/VI- group in comparison with the other patients with stage IIIB PM+ disease.

RESULTS

The disease-specific survival of the PM+/N-/VI- group was significantly better than that of the other stage IIIB PM+ group. Microscopic characteristics of the metastatic lesions suggesting that the cancer cells had invaded via the aerogenous route were seen in 86.7% of the PM+/N-/VI- group, as opposed to only 9.4% of the other PM+ cases. Furthermore, in all 4 patients in the PM+/N-/VI- group who had a recurrence, the relapse involved intrapulmonary metastasis, rather than distant organ metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Stage IIIB PM+ cases via the airway route were enriched in the PM+/N-/VI- group and had an extremely good survival. This group should be recognized as having local disease, and if relapse occurs in the remnant lobe, it may be possible to achieve a cure by local therapy.

Commonly encountered difficulties in pathologic staging of lung cancer

CONTEXT

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Despite technological, therapeutic, and scientific advances, most patients present with incurable disease and a poor chance of long-term survival. For those with potentially curable disease, lung cancer staging greatly influences therapeutic decisions. Therefore, surgical pathologists determine many facets of lung cancer patient care.

OBJECTIVE

To present the current lung cancer staging system and examine the importance of mediastinal lymph node sampling, and also to discuss particularly confusing and/or challenging areas in lung cancer staging, including assessment of visceral pleura invasion, bronchial and carinal involvement, and the staging of synchronous carcinomas.

DATA SOURCES

Published current and prior staging manuals from the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the International Union Against Cancer as well as selected articles pertaining to lung cancer staging and diagnosis accessible through PubMed (National Library of Medicine) form the basis of this review.

CONCLUSIONS

Proper lung cancer staging requires more than a superficial appreciation of the staging system. Clinically relevant specimen gross examination and histologic review depend on a thorough understanding of the staging guidelines. Common sense is also required when one is confronted with a tumor specimen that defies easy assignment to the TNM staging system.

Prognosis of Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Intrapulmonary Metastases

BACKGROUND

In the current TNM staging system revised in 1997 for lung cancer, intrapulmonary metastases (PM) are classified into two categories: PM1 (in the same lobe of the primary tumor), designated as T4; and PM2 (in a different lobe), as M1. There have been no large-scale analyses on PM in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We collected data nationwide in Japan for 7408 lung cancer patients undergoing surgical resection during a single year, 1994. We analyzed the long-term survival of NSCLC patients to evaluate the prognostic impact of PM in relation to other prognostic factors.

METHOD

Medical records of 6525 NSCLC patients undergoing surgical resection during a single year, 1994, were analyzed as a subset work of the Japanese Joint Committee of Lung Cancer Registry. The committee sent a questionnaire on outcome and clinicopathological profiles to 303 institutions.

RESULTS

There were 6080 PM0 (no PM), 317 PM1, and 128 PM2 patients. The 5-year survival rates were 55.1% for PM0 patients, 26.8% for PM1, and 22.5% for PM2 patients, respectively. The differences in survival between patients with PM0 and PM1 and between patients with PM0 and PM2 were significant (p < 0.001, respectively); the difference in survival was not significant between patients with PM1 and PM2 (p = 0.298). In R0 and N0 patients, survival differences were similar for PM0, PM1, and PM2 patients. Significant survival difference was detected between T3 and PM1 (p = 0.0317) and between PM1 patients and T4 patients excluding PM1 (p = 0.0083). The 5-year survival rates of PM2 patients and M1 patients excluding PM2 were 22.5% and 20.5%, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.434).

CONCLUSION

There was no significant survival difference between NSCLC patients with PM1 and PM2. The survival of patients with PM1 was between that of the T3 and T4 patients excluding PM1.

Multiple pulmonary metastases of lung adenocarcinoma to a different ipsilateral lobe after pulmonary lobectomy

Pulmonary metastases (PM) to different lobes are classified as M1 disease in non-small cell lung cancer. We report on three patients with lung adenocarcinoma who had undergone complete resection as the initial treatment and thereafter had recurrence of multiple PMs but only in a different ipsilateral lobe 19, 9, and 6 months after surgery. Two patients underwent completion pneumonectomy for the ipsilateral recurrent PM and are doing well without recurrence at 7 and 1 year after the second operations. The other patient received three regimens of chemotherapy over 2.5 years and is alive with PM but without any other metastases. Our findings suggest that some patients with recurrent multiple PM limited to a different ipsilateral lobe have a good prognosis with aggressive treatment, including surgery, and suggest that the PM in such patients occurs through a local route within the ipsilateral thorax.

Surgical Resection for Multifocal (T4) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Is the T4 Designation Valid?

BACKGROUND

The current international staging system for lung cancer designates intralobar satellites as T4 disease. In this study, we sought to determine the impact of multifocal, intralobar non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on patient survival and its potential relevance to stage designation.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of our thoracic surgical cancer registry from 1990 to 2005. Included were 53 patients with a resected lung cancer containing intralobar satellites detected preoperatively (n = 8) or in the resected specimen (n = 45). Patients with multicentric bronchioloalveolar cancer were excluded. All patients had an anatomic resection with mediastinal lymph node dissection. Median follow-up for the entire group was 31 months. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was performed to examine simultaneously the effects on overall survival of age, gender, nodal disease, number of satellite lesions, lymphatic invasion, and T status.

RESULTS

The median age of the 53 patients with multifocal, intralobar (T4) disease was 68 years and 31 were women. Ten patients had more than one satellite lesion. Overall 5-year survival was 47.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 27.36% to 65.30%) for all patients with resected intralobar satellites. Patients without nodal metastases had a 5-year survival of 58.4% (95% CI, 28.76% to 79.30%). The Cox regression identified female gender (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.31; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.96; p < 0.04) as a significant prognostic variable but only a trend towards significance for nodal status (adjusted HR, 2.3; 95% CI, .83 to 6.26; p < 0.11).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with intralobar multifocal NSCLC detected in the resected specimen have a more favorable prognosis after surgical resection than might be predicted by their stage T4 designation. Five-year survival rates, especially in T4N0 patients, more closely approximate those with stages IB or II NSCLC.

Prognostic assessment after surgical resection for non-small cell lung cancer: experiences in 2083 patients

The importance of the TNM staging system for patient management, clinical research and communicating information about lung cancer is of international importance. Modifications of the TNM classification system is scheduled for the near future. A retrospective review of 2376 patients with primary non-small cell lung cancer treated in a monocentric institution between 1996 and 2005 was performed. The overall 5-year survival rate was 46.8%. A total of 2083 patients had complete resections with a 5-year survival of 50.7%. After complete resection the 5-year survival rates by pathological stage of the disease were as follows: 68.5% for IA, 66.6% for IB, 55.3% for IIA, 49.0% for IIB, 35.8% for IIIA, 35.4% for IIIB, and not defined (3-year survival: 33.1%) for IV. The difference in prognosis between stage IIB and IIIA was significant (p=0.001) there was no significant difference between IA and IB, between IB and IIA, between IIA and IIB, between IIIA and IIIB, or between IIIB and IV. In stage IV there was a significant difference in survival between patients with pulmonary metastases or distant extrapulmonary metastases (p=0.001). In multivariate analysis, we also found gender and histology to be independent significant prognostic factors for survival. Multiple factors influence the long-term survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer after surgical resection. The present stage related prognosis seems to characterize patient prognosis and outcome reliable. For further data review there should be a focus on stage IV disease.

Lung cancer and its operable brain metastasis: survival rate and staging problems

BACKGROUND

We assessed the survival rates regarding different stages of operable lung cancers causing operable brain metastasis in patients with or without cancer-related symptoms. The correlation between survival rates and the disease-free interval between lung surgery and metastasectomy was studied.

METHODS

Sixty-five patients were operated on for lung cancer and brain metastases. The disease-free interval was divided into 5 subgroups: 0-2 months, 3-5 months, 6-11 months, 12-23 months, and 24 months and beyond. The study group comprised of patients with lung cancer in the following stages: 17 patients in stage I (1 patient in stage IA, 16 patients in stage IB), 16 patients in stage II (2 patients in stage IIA, 14 patients in stage IIB), 9 patients in stage IIIA, 4 patients in stage IIIB, and 19 patients in stage IV. Forty-four patients were symptom-free for lung cancer and 21 patients manifested lung cancer related symptoms.

RESULTS

The 5-year survival rates were as follows: stage I = 22%, stage II = 20%, stage IIIA = 22%, stage IIIB = 0%, and stage IV = 23% after lung resections. There were no significant differences in the 5-year survival rates regarding the disease-free interval subgroups after brain metastasectomies (p = 0.19): disease-free interval 0-2 months = 22% and disease-free interval 24 months and beyond = 23%. The 5-year survival rate after metastasectomy was significantly greater (26% vs 5%) in patients without lung cancer related symptoms (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The 5-year survival rate in stage I, II, IIIA, and IV lung cancer with operable hematogenous brain metastases corresponds to that in the customary stage IIIA (23%). The disease-free interval exhibited no significant impact on the survival rate. The complaint-free status exhibits a significantly greater impact on the survival rate in hematogenic metastasis.

Patterns of allelic loss of synchronous adenocarcinomas of the lung

Distinction of multiple primary lung carcinomas from intrapulmonary metastases using empiric clinical and histopathologic criteria can be difficult. Recent advances have provided several molecular markers that can be used for clonal analysis of separate tumor nodules and enhance tumor staging and subsequent treatment and prognosis. To address this issue, we performed a microdissection-based allelotyping of 20 cases of histologically similar, pathologic stage T4 adenocarcinomas (ADCs). Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis included a panel of 15 polymorphic microsatellite markers located on 1p, 3p, 5q, 9p, 9q, 10q, 17p, and 22q. The tumor size, visceral pleural and angiolymphatic invasion, lymph node status, outcome, and survival were assessed. Allelotypes of 60 cases of solitary primary non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) (stages I-II) were used to define the percentage of discordant LOH patterns within solitary primary lung carcinoma that would discriminate between survivors and nonsurvivors. These criteria were used in the analysis of pathologic stage T4 ADC. Two groups of stage T4 cases were created: molecularly homogenous (< or = 40% discordances) (14 cases, 70%), and molecularly heterogenous (>40% discordances) (6 cases, 30%). Molecularly homogenous tumors were more frequently associated with visceral pleural invasion (92% vs. 8%) (P = 0.018). Allelotype did not correlate with age, gender, tumor size, tumor differentiation, lymph node status, angiolymphatic invasion, survival, or outcome. Our study showed that discordant and concordant genotypic profiles exist in morphologically similar synchronous ADC of the lung.

Border between N1 and N2 stations in lung carcinoma: lessons from lymph node metastatic patterns of lower lobe tumors

OBJECTIVE

Distinction of lymph node stations is one of the most crucial topics still not entirely resolved by many lung cancer surgeons. The nodes around the junction of the hilum and mediastinum are key points at issue. We examined the spread pattern of lymph node metastases, investigated the prognosis according to the level of the involved nodes, and conclusively analyzed the border between N1 and N2 stations.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of 604 consecutive patients who underwent complete resection for non-small cell lung carcinoma of the lower lobe.

RESULTS

There were 390 patients (64.6%) with N0 disease, 127 (21.0%) with N1, and 87 (14.4%) with N2. Whereas 11.3% of patients with right N2 disease had skip metastases limited to the subcarinal nodes, 32.6% of patients with left N2 disease had skip metastases, of which 64.2% had involvement of N2 station nodes, except the subcarinal ones. The overall 5-year survivals of patients with N0, N1, and N2 disease were 71.0%, 50.8%, and 16.7%, respectively (N0 vs N1 P = .0001, N1 vs N2, P < .0001). Although there were no significant differences in survival according to the side of the tumor among patients with N0 or N1 disease, patients with a left N2 tumor had a worse prognosis than those with a right N2 tumor (P = .0387). The overall 5-year survivals of patients with N0, intralobar N1, hilar N1, lower mediastinal N2, and upper mediastinal N2 disease were 71.0%, 60.1%, 38.8%, 24.8%, and 0%, respectively. Significant differences were observed between intralobar N1 and hilar N1 disease ( P = .0489), hilar N1 and lower mediastinal N2 disease (P = .0158), and lower and upper mediastinal N2 disease (P = .0446). Also, the 5-year survivals of patients with involvement up to station 11, up to station 10, and up to station 7 were 41.4%, 37.9% and 37.7%, respectively (difference not significant).

CONCLUSIONS

N1 and N2 diseases appeared as a combination of subgroups: intralobar N1 disease, hilar N1 disease, lower mediastinal N2 disease, and upper mediastinal N2 disease. Interestingly, the survivals of patients with involvement up to interlobar nodes (station 11), main bronchus nodes (station 10), and subcarinal nodes (station 7) were identical. These data constitute the basis for a larger investigation to develop a lymph node map in lung cancer.

Bronchovascular Versus Bronchial Sleeve Resection for Central Lung Tumors

BACKGROUND

Pneumonectomy has traditionally been the treatment of choice for central lung tumors. Bronchial sleeve resections are increasingly considered as a reasonable alternative. For tumor involvement of both central airways and pulmonary artery, bronchovascular sleeve resections are possible, but considered to be technically demanding and associated with a higher perioperative risk. In addition, their role as adequate oncologic treatment for lung cancer is unclear. We have compared the early and long-term results of bronchovascular sleeve resection with those of bronchial sleeve resection and pneumonectomy.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent bronchial sleeve resection (group I, n = 104), bronchovascular sleeve resection (group II, n = 67), and pneumonectomy (group III, n = 63) for central lung cancer in our institution.

RESULTS

The groups were comparable regarding demographics and tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) stage. Early mortality was 1.9% in group I, 1.5% in group II, and 6.3% in group III (p = 0.19). The rate of bronchial complications was 0.96% in group I, 0% in group II, and 7.9% in group III (p = 0.006). Five-year survival was 46.1% in group I, 42.9% in group II, and 30.4% in group III (p = 0.16). Freedom from local recurrence of disease (5 years) was 83.8% in group I, 84.2% in group II, and 88.7% in group III (p = 0.56).

CONCLUSIONS

Bronchovascular sleeve resections are as safe as bronchial sleeve resections for the treatment of central lung cancer. Both procedures have comparable early and long-term results, which are similar to those of pneumonectomy. It appears reasonable to apply bronchovascular sleeve resections more liberally.

Prognostic factors in non-small cell lung cancer

Identification of prognostic factors is critical in optimizing treatment for patients with cancer. The purpose of this work is to review the modern literature with regard to prognostic factors for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) taking into account ongoing advances in clinical evaluation, staging, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and molecular biology in this widely heterogeneous patient population.

Resection of multifocal non–small cell lung cancer when the bronchioloalveolar subtype is involved

OBJECTIVE

Bronchioloalveolar lung cancer is commonly multifocal and can also present with other non-small cell types. The staging and treatment of multifocal non-small cell cancer are controversial. We evaluated the current staging of multifocal bronchioloalveolar carcinoma and the therapeutic effectiveness of resection when this tumor type is involved.

METHODS

We reviewed our experience between 1992 and 2000 with complete pulmonary resections for bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were calculated from the dates of pulmonary resection.

RESULTS

Among 73 patients with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, 14 patients, 7 male and 7 female with a mean age of 65 years (51-87 years), had multifocal lesions without lymph node metastases. Follow-up was 100% for a median of 5 years (range 2.6-8.5 years). Tumor distribution was unilateral in 9 patients and bilateral in 5 patients. The multifocal nature of the disease was discovered intraoperatively in 4 patients. Nine patients had 2 lesions, 4 patients had 3 lesions, and 1 patient had innumerable discrete foci in a single lobe. Operative mortality was 0. Postoperatively, 10 patients were staged pIIIB or pIV on the basis of multiple foci of similar morphology; 4 patients had some differences in histology (implying multiple stage 1 primaries). The median survival time to death from cancer was 14 months (141 days-5.6 years). The overall 5-year survival after resection of multifocal bronchioloalveolar carcinoma was 64%. Unilateral or bilateral distribution had no impact on survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The current staging system is not prognostic for multifocal bronchioloalveolar carcinoma without lymph node metastases. Complete resection of multifocal non-small cell lung cancer when bronchioloalveolar carcinoma is a component may achieve survivals similar to that of stage I and II unifocal non-small cell lung cancer. When bronchioloalveolar carcinoma is believed to be one of the cell types in multifocal disease without lymph node metastases, consideration should be given to surgical resection.

Heterogeneity of stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) and evaluation of late results of surgical treatment

AIMS

The aim of the study was assessment of the heterogeneity of stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) and the late results of surgical treatment.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 83 consecutive patients discharged between 1988 and 1992 undergoing radical operative treatment for stage IIIA NSCLC. Squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in 54 (65.1%) patients, adenocarcinoma in 23 (27.7%), large cell carcinoma in 2 (2.4%) and mixed (i.e. adenoid-squamous type) in 4 (4.8%). In respect of pTNM staging, 19 (22.9%) patients had T3N1M0, 35 (42.2%) had T2N2M0 and 29 (34.9%) had T3N2M0.

RESULTS

Overall, 13.3% of patients with stage IIIA NSCLC survived 5 years following the operation and 8.7% survived 10 years. Analysis of follow-up study indicated that this group was heterogenic. In T3N1M0 group 26.3% survived 5 years following the operation, in T2N2M0 group 14.3%, in T3N2M0 group 3.5% (P = 0.015). Of 23 patients with N2 disease and no metastases in hilar lymph nodes ('skip' metastases), 26.1% survived 5 years, whereas none of 41 patients with metastases spreading by continuity survived (P = 0.0015). If mediastinal lymph node metastases were diagnosed in one level, 25% patients survived 5 years, but if two or more levels were affected, 2.3% only (P = 0.0214): 85.7% of patients with well-differentiated (G1) cancer survived 5 years and 62.0% 10 years, whereas among those with moderately differentiated (G2) tumours, 11.8% and 8.8%, respectively. No patient survived 5 years after resection of poorly differentiated (G3) cancer (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Patients operated for stage IIIA NSCLC are a heterogeneous group, which makes it difficult to predict late results. (2) Patients operated for stage IIIA NSCLC have a better prognosis if metastases are discovered in level one mediastinal lymph nodes, particularly in the superior part of mediastinum, or if 'skip' metastases (pulmonary hilus unaffected) are discovered, as compared to those with N2 disease. (3) Poor histologic differentiation of the tumour is a bad prognostic factor.

Surgical resection of multifocal non-small cell lung cancer is associated with prolonged survival

BACKGROUND

Revisions in the international system for the staging of lung cancer, adopted in 1997, assigned the T4 descriptor to separate tumor nodules in the same lobe and the M1 descriptor to tumor nodules in a different lobe. Consequently, these changes shifted the stage of patients with these lesions to stage IIIB or stage IV. The goal of this review was to determine the impact of multifocal non-small cell lung cancer on survival.

METHODS

A database analysis of our cardiothoracic surgery tumor registry was performed to identify all patients who underwent surgical resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), who were ultimately determined to have pathologically node-negative disease from 1994 to 1999. All pathology reports were individually reviewed. Survival data were collected on each patient from the date of surgery with a mean duration of follow-up of 46.3 months. Kaplan Meier actuarial survival was determined for all patients.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were identified who underwent complete resection of multiple NSCLC tumors. During this same period, 504 patients underwent complete resection of stage I NSCLC tumors. The 3-year actuarial survival for patients with T1/N0/M0 tumors was 79.6%. In comparison with patients with T1/N0/M0 tumors, the 3-year actuarial survival rates of patients with T2/N0/M0 tumors (72.3%, p = 0.056), T4/N0/M0 tumors (66.5%, p = 0.058), and T1 to T2/N0/M1 tumors (63.6%, p = 0.201) were lower. However, these differences did not achieve statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there was a trend toward decreased survival in patients with multifocal NSCLC compared with patients with stage I NSCLC, this did not achieve statistical significance. Importantly, survival in these subgroups of patients with stage IIIB or stage IV disease (stage determined solely on the basis of multifocal NSCLC) is better than the survival reported in the series that formed the foundation for these staging changes. These data support complete surgical resection of multifocal lung tumors in patients with node-negative NSCLC.

Problems related to TNM staging: patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

Many reports have raised certain problems concerning the current TNM classification of lung cancer, namely that there is no sufficient difference in prognosis between patients with pathologic stage IIIA and IIIB disease. For clarifying this problem, the present study was constructed in light of T3 and T4 classifications.

METHODS

Among 429 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent resection, those with stage IIIA (n = 73) and stage IIIB (n = 79) disease were enrolled in this study, and their prognostic factors were compared.

RESULTS

No difference in the survivals between patients with T3 and T4 disease was observed, and this seemed to affect the prognoses of patients with stage IIIA and IIIB disease. However, when those with T3 and T4 disease were classified into different groups on the basis of TNM descriptors, differences in the survivals became evident. The T3 bronchial invasion group showed a better prognosis than the T3 extrapulmonary invasion group. The T4 tracheal invasion group and T4 pulmonary metastasis group showed a significantly better prognosis than that in the T4 extrapulmonary invasion group and the T4 malignant pleural exudate group. The surgical curativity of patients with T3 disease was evaluated as curative resection or noncurative resection, and the surgical curativity of T4 was evaluated as R0 resection or R1 or R2 resection. The T3 bronchial invasion group included more curative resection cases. The T4 tracheal invasion group and T4 pulmonary metastasis group included more R0 resection cases. Furthermore, when patients with T3 to T2 bronchial invasion and patients with T4 tracheal invasion and T4 pulmonary metastasis were reclassified as having T3 disease, the survivals of the patients reclassified as having T3 and T4 disease, as well as the resultant subsets having stage IIIA and IIIB disease, were significantly different.

CONCLUSION

Tumor status should be reviewed by taking into account the surgical curativity.

Prognostic factors in non-small cell lung cancer: a decade of progress

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To provide a systematic overview of the literature investigating patient and tumor factors that are predictive of survival for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to analyze patterns in the design of these studies in order to highlight problematic aspects of their design and to advocate for appropriate directions of future studies.

DESIGN

A systematic search of the MEDLINE database and a synthesis of the identified literature.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

The database search (January 1990 to July 2001) was carried out combining the MeSH terms prognosis and carcinoma, nonsmall cell lung. Eight hundred eighty-seven articles met the search criteria. These studies identified 169 prognostic factors relating either to the tumor or the host. One hundred seventy-six studies reported multivariate analyses. Concerning 153 studies reporting a multivariate analysis of prognostic factors in patients with early-stage NSCLC, the median number of patients enrolled per study was 120 (range, 31 to 1,281 patients). The median number of factors reported to be significant in univariate analyses was 4 (range, 2 to 14 factors). The median number of factors reported to be significant in multivariate analyses per study was 2 (range, 0 to 6 factors). The median number of studies examining each prognostic factor was 1 (range, 1 to 105 studies). Only 6% of studies addressed clinical outcomes other than patient survival.

CONCLUSIONS

While the breadth of prognostic factors studied in the literature is extensive, the scope of factors evaluated in individual studies is inappropriately narrow. Individual studies are typically statistically underpowered and are remarkably heterogeneous with regard to their conclusions. Larger studies with clinically relevant modeling are required to address the usefulness of newly available prognostic factors in defining the management of patients with NSCLC.

Radical resections for T4 lung cancer

T4 lung cancers are a heterogeneous group of locally advanced lung cancers. Treatment is palliative for the majority of patients, ranging from supportive care to chemoradiotherapy. In certain patients, however, surgery is beneficial and may be curative. Patients with T4N0M0 cancers invading the distal trachea, carina, left atrium, aorta, superior vena cava, or vertebral bodies may be surgical candidates. Radical resections of these T4 lung cancers have potential for cure if no mediastinal lymph node metastases (N2 or N3) occur and if resection is complete. Increased postoperative mortality exists and extends beyond 30 days, as evidenced by a 30-day mortality of 8% and a 90-day mortality of 18%. Improved palliation (median survival of 19 months) and cure (31% five-year survival) are possible in patients who meet the criteria, who undergo radical resection, and who are followed by physicians in facilities with special interests in extended resections. The use of induction therapy and surgery in T4 patients may further increase survival and the number of T4 patients in whom radical resection is possible. Radical resections are contraindicated in patients with T4 lung cancers associated with malignant pleural effusions. Unfortunately, these patients have the worst prognosis. If surgical palliation is an option, only pulmonary resection with pleurectomy and not pleuropneumonectomy should be considered. In contrast, lung cancers with the best prognosis are those T4 tumors diagnosed because of a satellite tumor nodule within the same lobe. Because radical resections are usually not required, operative mortality is not increased. Five-year survival in patients with satellite intralobar tumor nodules without mediastinal nodal metastases is comparable to survival of highly selected T4N0M0 patients who undergo radical resection. These two extremes of T4 lung cancers, malignant pleural effusion and satellite intralobar tumor nodules, generally are not considered for or do not require radical resections. It is debatable that the definition of T4 should include these entities.

Staging of non-small cell lung cancer: consensus, controversies and challenges

Stage is with performance status, the most potent prognostic factor in non-small cell lung cancer. In the past decades, much effort has been directed towards the definition, description, development and implementation of staging guidelines. This has undoubtedly resulted in improvements in therapy and insight in the biology of the disease. The new millennium sees us confronted with an increasing epidemic of lung cancer. Hence, the need for further improvements in staging accuracy and cost effectiveness, in order to use the available therapeutic armament at its best and provide the patient with a treatment that is best adjusted to his or her condition. Current controversies and future challenges in staging will be addressed.

Practical approach to patients presenting with multiple synchronous suspect lung lesions: a reflection on the current TNM classification based on 54 cases with complete follow-up

OBJECTIVES

To examine the survival after surgical treatment of patients presenting with two synchronous suspect lung lesions, and to reflect on the recent TNM classification, which has upgraded patients with two malignant lung lesions of the same histology into the T4 (both lesions in the same ipsilateral lobe) or M1 (different lobes or lungs) category.

METHODS

Retrieval of all consecutive patients with a diagnosis of two synchronous suspect lung lesions in the prospective database of the Leuven Lung Cancer Group in the interval between 1990 and 1994. Analysis of characteristics and survival of all patients, who underwent surgical resection with intention to cure for both lesions.

RESULTS

Forty-eight of 54 patients had surgical resection with curative intent. Thirty-five of these proved to have two malignant lesions, in 13 the second lesion was benign. The 5-year survival rate in the patients with two malignant lesions was 33% (95% CI: 17-49). The median survival time was 28 months. Although the number of patients in the subgroups was small, there were no obvious differences between patients with two lesions in the same or in different lobes, if a complete resection could be achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

An aggressive surgical approach in carefully selected patients presenting with two suspect pulmonary lesions can be rewarding. Although some degree of upstaging is appropriate in patients with two malignant lung tumours of the same histology, their current stage IIIB or IV classification probably underestimates their prospects for long-term survival after radical resection.

Intrapulmonary metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer: a prognostic assessment

OBJECTIVE

According to the revised TNM classification in 1997, intrapulmonary metastasis within the same lobe of the primary tumor is designated as T4 and intrapulmonary metastasis in a different lobe is M1. However, their prognostic implications remain unclear. To assess their prognoses, we retrospectively analyzed the postoperative survival of patients with and without intrapulmonary metastasis.

METHODS

From January 1982 to December 1996, 2340 patients with non-small cell lung cancer underwent surgical resection. The survival of patients having complete resection (n = 1534) was analyzed according to their intrapulmonary metastasis status: patients without intrapulmonary metastasis (n = 1393), those with metastasis in the same lobe (n = 105), and those with metastasis in a different lobe (n = 18). For comparison, patients with T4 disease without intrapulmonary metastasis in the same lobe (n = 54) and those with M1 disease without metastasis in a different lobe (distant M1, n = 18) were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The overall 5-year survivals were as follows: no intrapulmonary metastasis, 60%; stage T4 disease with no intrapulmonary metastasis, 34%; pulmonary metastasis in the same lobe, 34%; pulmonary metastasis in a different lobe, 11%; and distant M1, 6%. The differences in survival between patients with no pulmonary metastasis and those with metastasis in the same lobe (P <.001, log-rank test) and between patients with metastasis in the same lobe and those with distant M1 (P <.001) were significant. In contrast, there was no significant difference between patients with metastasis in the same lobe and those with T4 disease and no intrapulmonary metastasis or between patients with metastasis to a different lobe and those with distant M1.

CONCLUSIONS

Prognostically, intrapulmonary metastasis within the same lobe of the primary tumor was comparable with T4 and that in a different lobe was comparable with M1. In terms of postoperative prognosis, the revised TNM classification for intrapulmonary metastasis seems to be appropriate.

Survival in synchronous vs. single lung cancer: upstaging better reflects prognosis

OBJECTIVE

To define prognostic parameters for patients with synchronous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

DESIGN

Retrospective study of period from 1970 through 1997.

PATIENTS

Patients with a single (n = 2,764) and synchronous NSCLC (n = 85) who underwent pulmonary resection.

METHODS

All tumors were classified postsurgically, and the tumors of the patients with synchronous lung cancer were staged separately. The most advanced tumor was used for comparison. Actuarial survival time was estimated, and risk factors influencing survival were evaluated. Patients who died within 30 days of surgery were excluded.

MEASUREMENT AND RESULTS

Five-year survival for single NSCLC was 41% and for synchronous lung cancer it was 19%. The relative risk of death for patients with synchronous lung cancer was 1.75, compared to that for patients with single lung cancer. The most advanced tumor in synchronous cancer was a significant predictor of survival (p<0.005). The survival of patients with synchronous lung cancer in which the most advanced tumors were stage I (n = 40) and stage II (n = 27) was not different from that of patients with stage II (n = 834) and stage IIIA (n = 405) single lung cancer, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The poorer survival of patients with synchronous NSCLC is confirmed and quantified. The stage of the most advanced tumor was the best predictor of prognosis. The prognosis of patients with synchronous NSCLC resembles the prognosis of patients with a single lung cancer of a higher stage. Upstaging in synchronous lung cancer is recommended on the basis of these observations.