Curative Resection For Lung Cancer Research Articles

EP07.01-07 Comparison of Surveillance with Contrast Chest CT and Non-contrast Chest CT among who Survived 2 Years after Curative Resection for Lung Cancer

EP07.01-07 Comparison of Surveillance with Contrast Chest CT and Non-contrast Chest CT among who Survived 2 Years after Curative Resection for Lung Cancer

Myostatin expression in lung cancer induces sarcopenia and promotes cancer progression.

Many studies have demonstrated that sarcopenia among lung cancer predicts poor prognosis due to cancer progression. However, the cytokines that link sarcopenia and lung cancer progression remain unidentified. This study aimed to investigate whether lung cancer producing myostatin, which induces skeletal muscle atrophy, leads to sarcopenia and promotes cancer progression in patients with resected lung cancer. Tumor tissues were obtained from 148 patients who underwent curative resection for lung cancer. Tumor cells were stained with myostatin and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) in the tumor microenvironment were stained with CD68. We assessed the association between myostatin expression and the clinicopathological features. High myostatin expression in lung cancer was significantly associated with low skeletal muscle mass. The 5-year overall survival and relapse-free survival were significantly worse among patients with high myostatin expression than those with low expression. A multivariate analysis showed that TAM count was positively correlated with high myostatin expression. Sarcopenia may be induced by myostatin secreted by lung cancer cells. Moreover, myostatin may promote TAM migration into the tumor microenvironment, leading to advance lung cancer. As a result, patients with high myostatin expression had poor prognosis.

Lung Cancer Screening Criteria and Cardiopulmonary Comorbidities

IntroductionLung cancer screening criteria should select candidates with minimal cardiopulmonary comorbidities who are fit for curative lung cancer resection. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 728 patients with lung cancer for screening eligibility using the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) 2013 criteria (n = 370). If ineligible for screening, they were further assessed for eligibility using the USPSTF 2021 (n = 121) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network group 2 (NCCN gp 2) (n = 155). Comparisons of cardiopulmonary comorbidities between patients selected by the different lung cancer screening criteria were performed. Excluding missing data, a similar comparison was done between USPSTF 2013 (n = 283) and PLCOm2012 (risk threshold ≥1.51%) (n = 118). ResultsPatients eligible for USPSTF 2021 and NCCN gp 2 had lower rates of airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1]/forced vital capacity <0.7) compared with those in USPSTF 2013 (55.4% and 56.8% versus 70.5%). Both USPSTF 2021 and NCCN gp 2 groups had less severe airflow obstruction; only 11.6% and 12.9% of patients, respectively, had percent-predicted FEV1 less than 50% versus 20.3% in the USPSTF 2013 group. Comparing USPSTF 2013 and PLCOm2012 revealed no significant differences in age or the rate of airflow obstruction (p = 0.06 and p = 0.09 respectively). Nevertheless, rates of percent-predicted FEV1 less than 50% and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide less than 50% were lower in the PLCOm2012 group compared with those in the USPSTF 2013 group (22.3% versus 10.2% and 32.6% versus 20.0%), respectively. ConclusionsThe USPSTF 2021 qualifies an additional group of screening candidates who are healthier with better lung reserve, translating to better surgical candidacy but potentially more overdiagnosis. The PLCOm2012, with its better accuracy in selecting patients at risk of cancer, selects an older group with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease but with good lung reserve and potentially less overdiagnosis.

Impact of preoperative computed tomography-determined quantity and quality of skeletal muscle on survival after resected non-small cell lung carcinoma

ObjectiveThis study investigated the prognostic effect of preoperative skeletal muscle quantity and quality on survival after Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) resection. MethodsThis retrospective study consisted of patients with NSCLC who underwent curative lung cancer resection between 2015 and 2020. Skeletal muscle quantity and quality, as determined by paravertebral muscle index (PVMI) and paravertebral muscle density (PVMD), were measured at the level of the twelfth thoracic vertebra on preoperative images of computed tomography. The patients were divided into two subgroups as low and high according to sex-specific median PVMI and PVMD values. Overall survival (OS) rates were compared according to low and high PVMI and PVMD using the Kaplan–Meier procedure, and prognostic factors after lung cancer resection were assessed using Cox's regression models. ResultsThe study comprised 180 patients, with 89 patients in the low PVMI and PVMD groups and 91 patients in the high PVMI and PVMD groups. The OS rates in patients with low PVMI were less than in those with high PVMI (log-rank p = 0.037), with a median survival time of 52.5 months and 57.5 months, respectively. The OS rates in patients with low PVMD were less than in those with high PVMD (log-rank p < 0.001), with a median survival time of 50.8 months and 59.4 months, respectively. Low PVMI and low PVMD were independent prognostic factors of poor OS ([HR] = 1.77, P = 0.014; [HR] = 1.84, P = 0.038, respectively). ConclusionPreoperative CT-determined low skeletal muscle quantity and quality have a poor prognostic effect on survival after NSCLC resection. Preoperative evaluation of these curable morphometric measures may shed light on pre-rehabilitation and nutritional support programs.

Identifying miRNA Modules and Related Pathways of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Associated Emphysema by Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis.

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory disease characterized by progressive airflow limitation that causes high morbidity and mortality. MicroRNA, a short-chain noncoding RNA, regulates gene expression at the transcriptional level. microRNA modules with a role in the pathogenesis of COPD may serve as COPD biomarkers.MethodsWe downloaded the GSE33336 microarray data set from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, the data are derived from 29 lung samples of patients with emphysema undergoing curative resection for lung cancer. We used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to construct co-expression modules and detect trait-related microRNA modules. We used the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis to predict the biological function of the interest modules, and we screened out candidate hub microRNAs based on their module membership (MM) value and top proteins on the results of the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network.ResultsThree microRNA modules (royal blue, light yellow and grey60) were highly associated with COPD. Axon guidance, proteoglycans in cancer and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway were common pathways in these three modules. Keratin18 (KRT18) was the top protein in our study. miR-452, miR-149, miR-133a, miR-181a and miR-421 in hub microRNAs may play a role in COPD.ConclusionThese findings provide evidence for the role of miRNAs in COPD and identify biomarker candidates.

The Role of Surgery in Lung Cancer Treatment: Present Indications and Future Perspectives-State of the Art.

Simple SummaryLung cancer evolutions, innovative systemic treatments, minimally invasive thoracic surgery approaches and perioperative medical care have changed the role of surgery in the treatment of lung cancer. Pre-invasive and early-stage lung cancer, and conversely, advanced and metastatic tumors can be treated by innovative imaging-guided resection, minimally invasive approach or hybrid approach with very good short-term outcomes, enhanced recovery and preserved long-term survival. Considering lung cancer as a chronic disease, surgery must anticipate future disease evolution by sparing lung tissue and preserving lung function, while an oncologic complete resection must be performed. Surgery could also be valuable when recurrences occur or for selected palliative conditions. This article outlines present indications and future perspectives of lung surgery in lung cancer.Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) are different today, due to the increased use of screening programs and of innovative systemic therapies, leading to the diagnosis of earlier and pre-invasive tumors, and of more advanced and controlled metastatic tumors. Surgery for NSCLC remains the cornerstone treatment when it can be performed. The role of surgery and surgeons has also evolved because surgeons not only perform the initial curative lung cancer resection but they also accompany and follow-up patients from pre-operative rehabilitation, to treatment for recurrences. Surgery is personalized, according to cancer characteristics, including cancer extensions, from pre-invasive and local tumors to locally advanced, metastatic disease, or residual disease after medical treatment, anticipating recurrences, and patients’ characteristics. Surgical management is constantly evolving to offer the best oncologic resection adapted to each NSCLC stage. Today, NSCLC can be considered as a chronic disease and surgery is a valuable tool for the diagnosis and treatment of recurrences, and in palliative conditions to relieve dyspnea and improve patients’ comfort.

Eurolung risk score is associated with long-term survival after curative resection for lung cancer

ObjectiveThe study objective was to verify whether the Eurolung score was associated with long-term prognosis after lung cancer resection. MethodsA total of 1359 consecutive patients undergoing anatomic lung resection (1136 lobectomies, 103 pneumonectomies, 120 segmentectomies) (2014-2018) were analyzed. The parsimonious aggregate Eurolung2 score was calculated for each patient. Median follow-up was 802 days. Survival distribution was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Cox proportional hazard regression and competing risk regression analyses were used to assess the independent association of Eurolung with overall and disease-specific survival. ResultsPatients were grouped into 4 classes according to their Eurolung scores (A 0-2.5, B 3-5, C 5.5-6.5, D 7-11.5). Most patients were in class A (52%) and B (33%), 8% were in class C, and 7% were in class D. Five-year overall survival decreased across the categories (A: 75%; B: 52%; C: 29%; D: 27%, log rank P < .0001). The score stratified the 3-year overall survival in patients with pT1 (P < .0001) or pT>1 (P < .0001). In addition, the different classes were associated with incremental risk of long-term overall mortality in patients with pN0 (P < .0001) and positive nodes (P = .0005). Cox proportional hazard regression and competing regression analyses showed that Eurolung aggregate score remained significantly associated with overall (hazard ratio, 1.19; P < .0001) and disease-specific survival after adjusting for pT and pN stage (hazard ratio, 1.09; P = .005). ConclusionsEurolung aggregate score was associated with long-term survival after curative resection for cancer. This information may be valuable to inform the shared decision-making process and the multidisciplinary team discussion assisting in the selection of the most appropriate curative treatment in high-risk patients.

The prognostic nutritional index and postoperative complications after curative lung cancer resection: A retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveThe prognostic nutritional index is a score that represents a patient's immune-nutritional status based on the lymphocyte count and serum albumin concentration. We hypothesized that preoperative prognostic nutritional index is associated with postoperative complications and long-term outcomes after curative resection of lung cancer. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 1011 patients with pathologic stage I-III adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma who underwent open thoracotomy for curative resection of lung cancer. The preoperative prognostic nutritional index was calculated as follows based on preoperative laboratory data: 10 × serum albumin (g/dL) + 5 × total lymphocyte count (/nL). The cutoff value of prognostic nutritional index (cutoff value: 50) was obtained by receiver operating characteristics curve and patients were classified as high and low groups. Outcomes were compared with the use of propensity scores and inverse probability weighting adjustment to reduce treatment selection bias. ResultsThe low group exhibited more postoperative complications (34% [96/285] vs 24% [174/726]; P = .002) especially pneumonia (13% [36/285] vs 6% [41/756]; P < .001) and delirium (10% [29/285] vs 5% [36/726]; P = .002), and greater in-hospital mortality (4% [11/285] vs 1% [9/726]; P = .007) than the high group. A low prognostic nutritional index was associated with greater postoperative pulmonary complications [odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-2.3], lower recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.5), and overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-1.8) after balancing the covariables. ConclusionsThe preoperative prognostic nutritional index was associated with postoperative pulmonary complications and long-term outcomes after curative resection of non–small cell lung cancer.

Effect of progressive sarcopenia during postoperative 6 months on long-term prognosis of completely resected lung cancer.

Preoperative sarcopenia has been indicated to be a potential prognostic factor for patients after complete resection of lung cancer. This study evaluated whether changes in the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) over postoperative 6 months could predict long-term prognosis from 6 months after complete resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This retrospective study analyzed data of 468 patients who underwent curative lobar resection for non-small cell lung cancer at our hospital. The 6-month postoperative change in SMI was calculated, and associations between clinicopathological factors (including the change in SMI) and postoperative mortality were examined. Rates of overall survival were 90.6% after 3 years and 80.7% after 5 years. The median 6-month change in SMI was -3.4% (range, -22.3% to 14.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed that poor outcomes were independently predicted by a large change in SMI, age, pathological stage, lymphovascular invasion, and a Brinkman index of ≥600. Through the analysis in training and validation sets, we determined a cut-off value of -9.9% for the 6-month postoperative change in SMI. Subgroup analysis showed that depletion of SMI during postoperative 6 months was a risk factor for poorer prognosis only in heavy smokers with a Brinkman index of ≥600. A reduction in SMI during the 6 months after complete resection of non-small cell lung cancer significantly predicted prognosis, especially in heavy smokers. These results suggest that attention should be given to prevent the perioperative progression of sarcopenia after curative resection of lung cancer. Thoracic surgeons should take how to manage perioperatively against sarcopenia into consideration.

Clinical Significance of Pleural Attachment and Indentation of Subsolid Nodule Lung Cancer.

PurposeLung cancers presenting as subsolid nodule commonly have peripheral location, making the cancer-pleura relationship noteworthy. We aimed to evaluate the effect of pleural attachment and/or indentation on visceral pleural invasion (VPI) and recurrence-free survival.Materials and MethodsPatients who underwent curative resection of lung cancer as subsolid nodules from April 2007 to January 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. They were divided into four groups according to their relationship with the pleura. Clinical, radiographical, and pathological findings were analyzed.ResultsAmong 404 patients with malignant subsolid nodule, 120 (29.7%) had neither pleural attachment nor indentation, 26 (6.4%) had attachment only, 117 (29.0%) had indentation only, and 141 (34.9%) had both. VPI was observed in nodules of 36 patients (8.9%), but absent in nonsolid nodules and in those without pleural attachment and/or indentation. Compared to subsolid nodules with concurrent pleural attachment and indentation, those with attachment only (odds ratio, 0.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02 to 0.98) and indentation only (odds ratio, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.31) revealed lower odds of VPI. On subgroup analysis, the size of the solid portion was associated with VPI among those with pleural attachment and indentation (p=0.021). Such high-risk features for VPI were associated with earlier lung cancer recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.58 to 6.91).ConclusionConcurrent pleural attachment and indentation are risk factors for VPI, and the odds increase with larger solid portion in subsolid nodules. Considering the risk of recurrence, early surgical resection could be encouraged in these patients.

Post-operative AICS status in completely resected lung cancer patients with pre-operative AICS abnormalities: predictive significance of disease recurrence

The AminoIndexTM Cancer Screening (AICS) system, a plasma-free amino acid (PFAA)-based multivariate discrimination index, is a blood screening test for lung cancer based on the comparison of PFAA concentrations between patients with lung cancer and healthy controls. Pre- and post-operative AICS values were compared among 72 patients who underwent curative resection for lung cancer. Post-operative changes in PFAA concentrations were also evaluated. AICS values were classified as rank A (0.0–4.9), B (5.0–7.9), or C (8.0–10.0). Rank B–C patients were evaluated for outcomes and post-operative changes in their AICS values. Twenty-three of the 44 pre-operative rank B–C patients experienced post-operative reductions in AICS rank. Only one patient experienced cancer recurrence. Post-operative changes in PFAA concentrations were associated with the risk of post-operative cancer recurrence (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the absence of a post-operative reduction in AICS rank independently predicted cancer recurrence (hazard ratio: 14.28; p = 0.012). The majority of patients had high pre-operative AICS values and exhibited a reduction in AICS rank after curative resection. However, the absence of a post-operative reduction in AICS rank was associated with cancer recurrence, suggesting that AICS rank may be a sensitive marker of post-operative recurrence.

Curative resection for lung cancer in octogenarians is justified.

Due to an increased life expectancy in a healthy aging population and a progressive incidence of lung cancer, curative pulmonary resections can be performed even in octogenarians. The present study aims to investigate whether surgery is justified in patients reaching the age of 80 years and older who undergo resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this retrospective multi-centre analysis, the morbidity, mortality and long-term survival of 88 patients (24 females) aged ≥80 who underwent complete resection for lung cancer between 2000 and 2013 were analysed. Only fit patients with few comorbidities, low cardiopulmonary risk, good quality of life and a life expectancy of at least 5 years were included. Curative resections from three thoracic surgery centres included 61 lobectomies, 9 bilobectomies, 6 pneumonectomies and 12 segmentectomies or wide wedge resections with additional systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy in all cases. Final histology revealed squamous cell carcinoma [33], adenocarcinoma [41], large cell carcinoma [5] or other histological types [9]. Lung cancer stage distribution was 0 [1], I [53], II [17] and IIIA [14]. The overall 90-day mortality was 1.1%. The median hospitalisation and chest drainage times were 10 days (range, 5-27 days) and 5 days (range, 0-17 days), respectively. Thirty-six patients were complication-free (41%). In particular, pulmonary complications occurred in 25 patients (28%). In addition, 23 patients (26%) developed cardiovascular complications requiring medical intervention, while 24 patients (27%) had cerebrovascular complications, urinary tract infection and others. The median survival time was 51 months (range, 1-110 months), and the 5-year overall survival reached 45% without significance between tumour stages. Curative lung resections in selected octogenarians can be safely performed up to pneumonectomy for all tumour stages with a perioperative mortality, morbidity, and 5-year survival rate comparable to younger cohorts.

OA01.05 The Impact of Lung Age on Postoperative Complications in Patients with Lung Cancer Combined with Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema

Postoperative complications after pulmonary resection may cause morbidities such as prolonged hospitalization. Recently, combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) have reportedly been linked to a high risk for postoperative complications following lung cancer surgery. Moreover, some studies have claimed that lung age (LA) is associated with postoperative complications. Here we clarify the relationship between LA and postoperative complications in lung cancer patients with CPFE. Among a total of 1166 consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for lung cancer from January 2004 to April 2016 at the Kitasato University Hospital, Japan, a dataset of 36 patients with CPFE was retrospectively analyzed. Lungs with CPFE were defined based on preoperative chest computed tomography (CT) findings. LA was determined using the methods advocated by the Japanese Respiratory Society. The difference between “real age” (RA) and LA was calculated as “RA−LA,” and patients were classified into three groups: group A, RA−LA > 0 (n = 10); group B, −15 ≤ RA−LA ≤ 0 (n = 13); group C, RA−LA < −15 (n = 13). The average age was 70 (males, 69.1; females, 73.2) years. Thirty two patients were male and four were female. Almost all patients were ex- or current smokers. The average postoperative hospital stay was 16 (range, 7–56) days. There were no significant differences in age, gender, smoking history, and postoperative hospital stay among the three groups. The surgical procedures were lobectomy (n = 29), segmentectomy (n = 2), and wedge resection (n = 5). Histologically, the tumors were squamous cell carcinoma (n = 22), adenocarcinoma (n = 9), and other types (n = 4). Postoperative complications were arrhythmia (4 cases), hypertension (4 cases), air leakage (3 cases), pneumonia (5 cases), hypoxemia (3 cases), and others (5 cases). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications among the groups (p = 0.69). However, cardiovascular complications in group C were significantly higher than those in the other groups (p = 0.008). There were 26 patients with postoperative acute exacerbation, but there were no significant differences among the groups. LA accurately predicted postoperative cardiovascular complications in lung cancer patients with CPFE.

P3.04-035 Pleurodesis with a 50% Glucose Solution for Post-Operative Pneumothorax, after Curative Lung Cancer Resection: Topic: Miscellaneous II

Pleurodesis plays an important role in the management of pneumothorax, especially among patients who underwent curative lung cancer resection. Previous papers reported the efficacy of pleurodesis with OK-432, talc, or other cytotoxic agents, but these agents sometimes trigger lethal complications. Recently, several institutions reported 50% glucose solution as pleurodesis for pneumothorax. And we adopt it for post-operative pneumothorax patients. We report the feasibility of pleurodesis with 50% glucose solution for post-operative pneumothorax, after curative lung cancer resection. From October 2014 to March 2016, 13 cases of post-operative pneumothorax after curative lung cancer resection were treated in our hospital. They were treated with pleurodesis with a 50% glucose solution. 200 mL of a 50% glucose solution with 10 mL of 1% lidocaine was instilled into the pleural cavity. Patients regularly change their positions for 2 hours, due to immerse whole visceral pleura. Pleurodesis was repeated until the air leakage stopped. The subjects were 10 men and 3 women, with a mean age of 71 years. 9 patients were past or current smokers. All cases underwent video-assisted-thoracic-surgery (VATS) lobectomy, and Right upper/middle/lower/Left upper/lower lobe resections were 5/2/3/2/1 cases each. Air leakage stopped after pleurodesis in all cases, and 2 cases required pleurodesis twice. No patient required re-operation, and was suffered from high fever, chest pain, or other complications. Drain tube was removed in 2.9 days after pleurodesis on average, and there was no post-treatment recurrence. These results demonstrated feasibility of pleurodesis with a 50% glucose solution for post-operative pneumothorax, after curative lung cancer resection. This procedure can be the first choice for post-operative pneumothorax treatment.

P3.04-003 Incidence and Outcome of Female Patients with Previous Breast Cancer Undergoing Curative Resection for Lung Cancer: Topic: Miscellaneous I

P3.04-003 Incidence and Outcome of Female Patients with Previous Breast Cancer Undergoing Curative Resection for Lung Cancer: Topic: Miscellaneous I

Surgical Treatment of Metachronous Second Primary Lung Cancer

Many studies have demonstrated that patients with metachronous second primary lung cancer (MSPLC) benefit from surgery. Owing to the lack of uniform criteria and prospective randomized trials, the extent of resection remains controversial, and prognostic factors are still not fully clear. The present study aimed to assess surgical treatment of MSPLC and identify prognostic factors of outcome. This retrospective analysis included 143 patients who underwent surgical resection of MSPLC in our department from January 2006 to December 2011. Predictors of postoperative complications were analyzed with the binary logistic regression method. Survival was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods. Operative mortality was 1.4%, and the complication rate was 34.3%. Age more than 70 years was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications. The overall 5-year survival after resection of MSPLC was 54.5%. TNM stage II or higher (p= 0.025), 20or more pack-years of smoking (p= 0.037), and tumor size greater than 2 cm (p= 0.033) were independent negative prognostic factors for survival. For stage I disease, completion pneumonectomy had a lower 5-year survival rate than others, 44.8% and 65.9, respectively (p= 0.039); lobectomy and sublobar resection have a 5-year survival of 77.1% and 56.7%, respectively (p= 0.203). Surgical treatment of MSPLC is safe and effective. TNM stage I, tumor size 2 cm or less, or less than 20 pack-years smoking are predictors of improved survival. Sublobar resection is acceptable. For stage I disease, lobectomy tends to be associated with better survival than sublobar resection, although the difference is not significant, and completion pneumonectomy is not recommended. Long-term follow-up is necessary even after curative resection of lung cancer.

Minimal-dose computed tomography is superior to chest x-ray for the follow-up and treatment of patients with resected lung cancer

A minimal-dose computed tomography scan of the thorax (MnDCT) delivers a radiation dose comparable with a chest x-ray (CXR). We hypothesized that in patients with completely resected lung cancer, surveillance with MnDCT, when compared with CXR, leads to earlier detection and a higher rate of treatment of new or recurrent lung cancer. After lung cancer resection, patients prospectively were enrolled for surveillance with MnDCT andCXR at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. Images were interpreted by different blinded radiologists. When new or recurrent cancer was suspected, standard-dose CT and/or a tissue biopsy were performed for confirmation. Between 2007 and 2012, 271 patients were included and 1137 pairs of CXR and MnDCT were analyzed. MnDCT was more sensitive (94% vs 21%; P<.0001) and had a higher negative predictive value (99% vs 96%; P=.007) than CXR for the diagnosis of new or recurrent lung cancer. The prevalence of new or recurrent lung cancer was 23.2% (63 of 271), of whom 78% (49 of 63) had asymptomatic disease. The majority of asymptomatic patients (75%; 37 of 49) were treated with curative intent and had a median survival of 69 months. The remainder of patients received palliative treatment (24%; 12 of 49) and had a median survival of 25 months (P<.0001). After curative resection of lung cancer, MnDCT is superior to CXR for the detection of newor recurrent lung cancer. The majority of new or recurrent cancer was detected by MnDCT at an asymptomatic phase, allowing for curative treatment, leading to a long survival.

How to Follow up Patients After Curative Resection of Lung Cancer

Survivors of lung cancer surgery are among the highest-risk patients for developing another lung cancer, yet there is no clear consensus on the method of surveillance for patients after curative surgical resection. Surveillance is no longer futile because the emergence of computed tomography screening has allowed the detection of recurrences and new metachronous cancers at an early stage. In selected patients, lung cancer identified recently on routine computed tomography scan is amenable to curative treatment and is associated with longer survival.

Patterns of recurrence and second primary lung cancer in early-stage lung cancer survivors followed with routine computed tomography surveillance

At present, there is no consensus on the optimal strategy for follow-up care after curative resection for lung cancer. We sought to understand the patterns of recurrence and second primary lung cancer, and their mode of detection, after resection for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer in patients who were followed by routine surveillance computed tomography scan. We reviewed the outcomes of consecutive patients who underwent resection for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 2004 and 2009. A total of 1294 consecutive patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer underwent resection. The median length of follow-up was 35 months. Recurrence was diagnosed in 257 patients (20%), and second primary lung cancer was diagnosed in 91 patients (7%). The majority of new primary cancers (85 [93%]) were identified by scheduled routine computed tomography scan, as were a smaller majority of recurrences (157 [61%]). During the first 4 years after surgery, the risk of recurrence ranged from 6% to 10% per person-year but decreased thereafter to 2%. Conversely, the risk of second primary lung cancer ranged from 3% to 6% per person-year and did not diminish over time. Additional testing after false-positive surveillance computed tomography scan results was performed for 329 patients (25%), but only 4 of these patients (0.3%) experienced complications as a result of subsequent invasive diagnostic procedures. Almost all second primary cancers and the majority of recurrences were detected by post-therapeutic surveillance computed tomography scan. The risk of recurrence for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer survivors persisted during the first 4 years after resection, and vigilance in surveillance should be maintained.

Anesthetic Management of the Patient With Dilated Cardiomyopathy Undergoing Pulmonary Resection Surgery

Interactions between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems are complex and profound. General anesthesia, muscle relaxation, and positive-pressure ventilation all impose physiological effects on cardiovascular function. In patients presenting for pulmonary resection, additional effects resulting from positioning, 1-lung ventilation, surgical procedures, and contraction of the pulmonary vascular bed may impose an additional physiological burden. For most patients with adequate pulmonary and cardiovascular reserve, these effects are well tolerated. However, the cardiothoracic anesthesiologist may be asked to provide anesthetic care for patients with significantly reduced cardiac function who require potentially curative pulmonary resection for lung cancer. These patients present a major perioperative challenge and a thoughtful approach to intraoperative management is required. The authors review a case of a patient with severely impaired biventricular function who presented for elective pulmonary lobectomy in an attempt to effect a curative resection of lung cancer and present a discussion of physiological and pathophysiological considerations for clinical management.