Impact of Margin Distance on Locoregional Recurrence and Survival After Thoracoscopic Segmentectomy

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aimed to identify the impact of margin distance on locoregional recurrence (LRR) and survival outcomes after thoracoscopic segmentectomy for non-small cell lung cancer. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from prospectively collected consecutive thoracoscopic segmentectomies in a single center from January 2008 to February 2023. The restricted cubic spline of the adjusted Cox regression model for LRR displayed the breakpoint of margin distance. The Kaplan-Meier estimator with log-rank test evaluated the overall survival between the 2 groups stratified by the breakpoint, and the Aalen-Johansen estimator with the Gray test assessed the LRR-free survival and lung cancer-specific survival in the competing model. ResultsThe study included 155 patients. LRR was observed in 22 patients (14.2%), with a median time to LRR of 17.1 months (interquartile range, 6.3-26.3 months). Margin distance was found to be a predictor for LRR (hazard ratio, 0.92; P = .033). The identified breakpoint for margin distance in this cohort was 19.8 mm. Compared with this cutoff, a margin distance of 15 mm increased the risk of LRR by 65%, whereas 25 mm decreased the risk to LRR with 31%. A segmentectomy with a margin distance ≥20 mm resulted in significant improvements in overall survival (P = .020), lung cancer-specific survival (P = .010), and LRR-free survival (P < .001) compared with cases with a margin distance of <20 mm. ConclusionsMargin distance ≥20 mm decreased LRR and improved survival outcomes for thoracoscopic segmentectomy in this study.