[Surgery for non-small cell lung carcinoma after previous chemoradiotherapy alone]

AIM

To investigate early and remote results of surgery in patients with recurrent non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) after previous chemoradiotherapy alone.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The retrospective study included 14 NSCLC patients (10 men and 4 women, mean age 52.6 years) who were operated in thoracic department for the period June 2008 - December 2013. Histologically squamous cell carcinoma prevailed (64.3%). Prior to surgery stage IIB was diagnosed in 2 patients, IIIA in 11 and IIIB in 1 patient. The dose of radiotherapy ranged from 45 to 70 Gr (median 58Gr). The average number of chemotherapy cycles was 3.8 per patient. Pneumonectomy was performed in all patients except one who underwent left-sided lower lobectomy. In all cases bronchial stump was covered by vascularized muscle flap (intercostal, latissimus dorsi). Postoperative complications were classified by TMM system (Thoracic Morbidity and Mortality System).

RESULTS

Postoperative complications were observed in 7 (50.0%) patients including level II in 2 cases, IIIA in 1 case, IVA in 3 patients and V (death) in 1 (7.1%) patient. Postoperative stages of lung cancer were IB in 2 cases, IIA in 1, IIB in 5, IIIA in 4 and IIIB in 2 patients. Overall 1, 2 and 3-year survival rate was 89.1%, 82.0% and 48.0% respectively (median 35.0 months). Recurrence-free survival was 84.2%, 72.0% and 24.8%, respectively (median 28.0 months). Overall and recurrence-free 5-year survival rate was 10.8%.

CONCLUSION

«Salvage» surgery may be recommended as individual approach in patients with reccurent lung cancer after previous chemoradiotherapy.

Should salvage surgery be considered for local recurrence after definitive chemoradiation in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer?

Background

Incidence of local relapse after definitive chemoradiation (>59 Gy) for locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is high, irrespective of high dose radiation applied. Experience with salvage lung resections in patients with locally relapsed NSCLC after definitive chemoradiation is limited. We present our series of salvage lung resections for local NSCLC relapse after curative–intent chemoradiation for locally advanced tumor.

Methods

Nine consecutive patients with local tumor recurrence or persistence following definitive chemoradiation were reviewed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess patient survival.

Results

All patients received definitive radiation (median dose 66.2 Gy) with concurrent chemotherapy. Tumor stage prior to chemoradiation was IIIA in 8 patients and IV in 1. In 4 patients tumor invaded the chest wall, in 2 the spine and in 1 the aorta. Median interval between chemoradiation and salvage resection was 30.2 weeks. Nine patients underwent 9 resections (6 lobectomies, 1 bilobectomy, 1 pneumonectomy and 1 bi-segmentectomy). One death occurred on the 12th postoperative day. Median overall survival was 23 months; postoperative 3-year survival was 47 %. Median progression-free survival was 21 months.

Conclusion

Salvage lung resection for locally recurrent or persisted NSCLC in selected patients with locally advanced NSCLC following definitive chemoradiation is a worthwhile treatment option.