Abstract
The number of metastatic N2 stations is a known prognostic factor in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, involvement of N1 stations as well as that of N2 stations seems to be important in the prognosis of these patients. We therefore attempt to clarify the significance of the total number of metastatic stations in pathologic N1 and N2 NSCLCs. Patients with either pathologic N1 (n = 51) or N2 (n = 96) NSCLC who had undergone major pulmonary resection with complete mediastinal dissection were included in this retrospective study. All positive nodes were characterized by location according to the TNM classification system. The hilar station was included with the N2 stations. The total number of metastatic stations in patients with N2 disease ranged from 1 to 8 (average 2.5), whereas that in patients with N1 disease ranged from 1 to 3 (average 1.2). The incidence of multiple-station metastasis (> or = 3 metastatic stations) among N2 patients (35%) was significantly higher than that among N1 patients (2%) (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis of survival showed pathologic N1 status (relative risk = 0.443, p = 0.013) and < or = 2 metastatic stations (relative risk = 0.515, p = 0.020) to be significant and independent prognostic factors. Age, sex, cell type, resected lobe, and pathological T status were statistically insignificant determinates of survival. The total number of metastatic stations (< or = 2 vs > or = 3) is an independent prognostic indicator in patients with completely resected pathologic N1 or N2 NSCLC. The number of metastatic stations will be useful as a stratification factor in prospective clinical trials of these patients.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: The Japanese journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery : official publication of the Japanese Association for Thoracic Surgery = Nihon Kyobu Geka Gakkai zasshi
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.