Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Personalized Prognostic Assessment of Lung Cancer: A Narrative Review.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the management of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by enhancing different aspects, including staging, prognosis assessment, treatment prediction, response evaluation, recurrence/prognosis prediction, and personalized prognostic assessment. AI algorithms may accurately classify NSCLC stages using machine learning techniques and deep imaging data analysis. This could potentially improve precision and efficiency in staging, facilitating personalized treatment decisions. Furthermore, there are data suggesting the potential application of AI-based models in predicting prognosis in terms of survival rates and disease progression by integrating clinical, imaging and molecular data. In the present narrative review, we will analyze the preliminary studies reporting on how AI algorithms could predict responses to various treatment modalities, such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. There is robust evidence suggesting that AI also plays a crucial role in predicting the likelihood of tumor recurrence after surgery and the pattern of failure, which has significant implications for tailoring adjuvant treatments. The successful implementation of AI in personalized prognostic assessment requires the integration of different data sources, including clinical, molecular, and imaging data. Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques enable AI models to analyze these data and generate personalized prognostic predictions, allowing for a precise and individualized approach to patient care. However, challenges relating to data quality, interpretability, and the ability of AI models to generalize need to be addressed. Collaboration among clinicians, data scientists, and regulators is critical for the responsible implementation of AI and for maximizing its benefits in providing a more personalized prognostic assessment. Continued research, validation, and collaboration are essential to fully exploit the potential of AI in NSCLC management and improve patient outcomes. Herein, we have summarized the state of the art of applications of AI in lung cancer for predicting staging, prognosis, and pattern of recurrence after treatment in order to provide to the readers a large comprehensive overview of this challenging issue.

Survival difference among adult and pediatric mediastinal yolk sac tumors cases: A meta-analysis of case reports.

BACKGROUND: Mediastinal Yolk sac tumors (YST) are rare and highly malignant extragonadal germ cell tumors with rapid growth and early metastases. We sought to conduct a meta-analysis of published case reports/case series to compare differences in survival, demographics, and treatment modalities between adult and pediatric patients with YST. METHODS: Ovid Embase, Cochrane, and Ovid Medline databases were searched for primary mediastinal pure YST cases. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Log-rank and Cox regression were used. This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022367586). RESULTS: Among 846 studies, 87 met our inclusion criteria including 130 patients (Adults: 90 and Pediatrics: 40). About 41.5% of the patients were from the United States. The median age was 23.0 (Q1-Q3: 17.0-30.0), 88.5% were males, and (32.3%) were Asian. Stage II represented almost 40%. AFP was elevated in 96.9%. Respiratory distress was the presenting symptom in 65.4%. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery were utilized in 84.6, 23.1, and 64.7% respectively. Median OS was 24 months (Adults: 23 months, Pediatrics: 25 months, P = 0.89). 3- and 5-year OS were 34.4% and 22.9% in adults and 41.5% and 41.5% in pediatrics, respectively. On multivariate analysis, anterior location of tumors, receipt of chemotherapy, and undergoing surgery were associated with better OS. CONCLUSION: Primary mediastinal YSTs are rare, but lethal neoplasms. Our meta-analysis showed that mediastinal YSTs mimic other non-seminomatous mediastinal GCTs in terms of clinical characteristics and available treatment options. Early diagnosis, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and surgical resection are the key points for effective management and improved outcomes.

Contrast-enhanced mammography versus breast MRI in the assessment of multifocal and multicentric breast cancer: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer multifocality and multicentricity diagnosis influences the surgeon's choice between applying breast conservative therapy or performing mastectomy. PURPOSE: To assess the role of contrast enhanced mammography (CEM) and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of preoperative breast cancer multifocality and multicentricity and to assess their accuracy, agreement and impact on the surgical management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study retrospectively included cases over a 5-year period. After analysis and interpretation of suspicious breast lesions, a comparative evaluation of CEM and MRI was conducted with the assessment of diagnostic indices, including sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy. The kappa (κ) measure of agreement between both modalities was measured. The postoperative specimen pathology was the reference standard. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-two female cases with 126 breast lesions were evaluated. Specimen pathology, MRI and CEM showed a single neoplastic lesion in 67.5%, 35% and 48.5% of cases, respectively, and multiple neoplastic lesions in 32.5%, 65% and 51.6% of cases, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MRI were 95.12%, 49.41%,and 64.29%, and the CEM values were 85.37%, 64.71% and 71.43%, respectively. The κ value was 0.592 with an intermediate agreement between both modalities. When comparing between both modalities, enhancing foci showed a statistically significant difference, although there were no statistically significant difference in terms of high breast density or molecular subtype. CONCLUSION: In terms of breast cancer multifocality and multicentricity evaluation, MRI showed a higher sensitivity, while CEM showed a higher specificity, and there was moderate agreement between the two modalities.

Cardiotoxicity with immune system targeting drugs: a meta-analysis of anti-PD/PD-L1 immunotherapy randomized clinical trials.

Background: With antiprogrammed death receptor-1 (anti-PD-L1) therapy, a recent meta-analysis reported higher incidence of cutaneous, endocrine and gastrointestinal complications especially with dual anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy (IMM). Methods: Our primary outcome was assessment of all cardiotoxicity grades in IMM compared with different treatments, thus a systemic review and a meta-analysis on randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were done. Results: We included 11 RCTs with 6574 patients (3234 patients in IMM arm vs 3340 patients in the other arm). Three non-small-cell lung cancer RCTs, seven melanoma RCTs and only one prostatic cancer RCT met the inclusion criteria. There were five RCTs that compared monoimmunotherapy to chemotherapy "(n = 2631 patients)". No difference exists in all cardiotoxicity grades or high-grade cardiotoxicity (p > 0.05). Lung cancer exhibited a higher response rate and lower mortality in IMM. Conclusion: There was no reported statistically significant cardiotoxicity associated with anti-PD/PD-L1 use. Lung cancer subgroups showed better response and survival rates.

Pneumonitis as a complication of immune system targeting drugs?-a meta-analysis of anti-PD/PD-L1 immunotherapy randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Anti-PD/PD-L1-targeted immunotherapy is associated with remarkably high rates of durable clinical responses in patients across a range of tumor types, although their high incidence of skin, gastrointestinal, and endocrine side effects with their use. The risk of pneumonitis associated with checkpoint inhibition therapy is not well described. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted on randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing anti-PD/PD-L1 mono-immunotherapy (IMM) to chemotherapy (CTH) protocols in cancer patients. The primary endpoint was the pneumonitis rate in IMM compared to CTH. Secondary endpoints were (I) high-grade pneumonitis rate in IMM compared to CTH and (II) tumor response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) between IMM and CTH. Random model and leave-one-out-analysis were performed. RESULTS: Thirteen RCTs studying 7,246 patients were included; 3,704 (51.12%) patients in the IMM arm and 3,542 (48.88%) patients in the chemotherapy arm. Seven non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) RCTs were included with 4,164 patients; 2,101 in the IMM arm and 2,063 patients in the CTH arm. Three RCTs were on melanoma patients (n=1,390). Nine RCTs compared mono-immunotherapy to CTH [docetaxel in 5 studies (38.5%), platinum-based in 2 studies (15.4%), dacarbazine in 1 study (7.7%) and everolimus in 1 study]. Both high-grade and all-grade pneumonitis were higher among patients in the IMM arm when compared to the CTH arm (OR =4.39, 95% CI: 1.65-11.69, P=0.003 and OR =2.46, 95% CI: 1.29-4.6, P=0.007). Tumor response rate was significantly better in the immunotherapy arm (OR =2.31, 95% CI: 1.62-3.29, P<0.001). PFS and OS were longer in patients who received IMM compared to patients in the CTH arm (HR =0.75, 95% CI: 0.65-0.85, P<0.001, and HR =0.71, 95% CI: 0.66-0.77, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of high-grade and all-grade pneumonitis is higher in anti-PD-1 therapy but not in anti-PD-L1 therapy when compared to traditional CTH regimens for NSCLC and melanoma. High-grade adverse events were otherwise more common in the CTH arm. Tumor response rate, PFS, and OS are all substantially improved with IMM over CTH. These results can be used to guide therapy selection and set expectations for treatment effect in these patients.

Predictors of Survival After Treatment of Oligometastases After Esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent esophageal carcinoma (EC) has a dismal prognosis. However, prior studies showed that selected patients with isolated recurrence may benefit from definitive therapy. The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of postrecurrence survival (PRS) in patients with isolated EC recurrence who were treated with curative intent. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospective database (1988 to 2015) was performed to identify all recurrent EC patients after curative esophagectomy. Demographic and clinicopathologic data were reviewed. The probability of PRS was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Predictors of PRS after definitive therapy for isolated EC recurrence were determined by the multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Of the 640 curative esophagectomies, 241 patients (37.7%) experienced recurrences (median follow-up 50 months). Fifty-six patients (9%) received definitive treatment of isolated EC recurrence (31 were treated surgically with or without chemotherapy-radiotherapy [CTRT] and 25 received definitive CTRT alone). Median time to recurrence (TTR) was 19 months. The 1- and 3-year PRSs were 78% and 38% (median survival 26 months). On multivariable analysis; TTR was the only significant independent predictor for survival after recurrence (hazards ratio 0.98, 95% confidence interval: 0.96 to 0.99, p = 0.034). No pronounced difference was found in disease-free survival or in PRS between recurrent patients treated with operation with or without CTRT and patients who received definitive CTRT. CONCLUSIONS: A select subgroup of patients with isolated EC recurrence can be treated with curative intent. TTR was the best predictor for PRS.

Single Versus Multi-Incisional Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) is conventionally performed through multiple small incisions (C-VATS). Recent studies have reported encouraging results with the single-incision VATS (S-VATS) over the conventional technique. However, these studies were either small in size, unfocused, nonuniform, retrospective, lacking follow-up information, or focused on pain. We aim to validate previously reported results in a single large meta-analysis, including only the best evidence studies available. METHODS: Systematic review of the PubMed archive was conducted to include only full English articles with Newcastle Ottawa Scale score ≥7. The primary outcome was the complications rate while secondary outcomes were operative time, resected lymph nodes (LNs), chest tube duration, estimated blood loss, length of postoperative stay (LOS), and postoperative pain on day 1 after surgery. Odds ratio and standard mean difference were used as effect estimates. Random model and leave-one-out analysis were used. RESULTS: A total of 39 studies were included with 4635 patients (1686 S-VATS versus 2949 C-VATS). S-VATS has resulted in significantly less postoperative pain (P < .001), blood loss (P = .006), LOS (P < .001), and chest tube duration (P < .001). In lung cancer patients, the number of retrieved LNs was similar to that of C-VATS (P > .05). Subgroup comparison of the rate of complications between lung resections versus other intrathoracic procedures, lung cancer versus pneumothorax, and lung cancer versus other lung-only lesions did not show any significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: Performing S-VATS technique has shown superior postoperative outcomes over the C-VATS technique in the treatment of thoracic disorders. Substantial benefit was confirmed in terms of less postoperative pain, blood loss, drainage time, and postoperative hospital stay.

Survival in Good Performance Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Patients; Prognostic Factors and Predictors of Response

Purpose: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has a poor prognosis in general. Here we sought to evaluate prognostic factors and predictors of response to chemotherapy in good performance (PS=0-I) patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our database and enrolled patients with MPM who received platinum containing chemotherapy (2012-2014). Clinico-pathological and laboratory data were retrieved and Cox and logistic regression multivariate analyses (MVA) were respectively used to identify predictors of survival and response to chemotherapy. Comparison of good vs poor performance status (PS≥II) was accomplished using the Chi (X2) test. Kaplan­Meier survival curves were also obtained and propensity-score matching was performed for survival comparison. Results: Among 114 patients listed during the study period, 82 had good PS=0-I (median age 45years, 43 men, 30 smokers, median weight=77Kg, pretreatment haemoglobin (Hb) level=12g/dL, platelet count=372,000/µL, leukocytes=9,700/µL, neutrophils=6,100/µL, lymphocytes=1,890/µL and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR)=3.60 ). Some 65 had asbestosis, 23 had chronic disease, 55 (67.1%) were responders to platinum containing first line chemotherapy. A total of 49 (59.8%) had epithelial MPM. Median-OS and PFS in good PS cases were 17 and 9 months, respectively, as compared to 16 and 8 months for the poor PS group. After matching, better OS was observed among good PS vs poor PS patients (p=0.024) but there was no PFS difference (p=0.176). Significant decrease in PFS was observed among those with advanced nodal N disease (median PFS in N0 and N+ was 10 and 5 months, respectively), non-responders (p=0.012), NLR (p=0.026) and those with an epithelial pathology (p=0.062). MVA demonstrated that advanced (N) status (p=0.015), being a non-responder (p<0.001), NLR (p=0.015) and smoking (p=0.07) adversely affected the prognosis. The only predictor of response was absence of metastasis (M0; p=0.04). Conclusions: In addition to previously recognized factors, like nodal status, response, smoking and NLR, better median survival was evident in our patients with a good PS. Early detection before development of metastasis warrants greater focus to allow better responses to be obtained.

Clinical Predictors of Nodal Metastases in Peripherally Clinical T1a N0 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Despite the relatively high sensitivity of fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) scans used for staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a subset of patients with peripherally located clinical T1a N0 will be upstaged due to pathologic nodal disease. It is important to study this risk of upstaging, especially if local treatments, such as wedge resection or stereotactic body radiation therapy, are potential treatment modalities. Our aim was to determine the rate of pathologic N1/N2 disease in peripherally located clinical T1a N0 NSCLC and predictive factors for nodal metastasis. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospective database (2000 to 2015) identified 1,342 patients with clinical T1a N0 NSCLC, and 914 (68%) underwent lobectomy. Among this group, 449 patients had peripherally located tumors and were deemed node negative by fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/CT scan. The relationship between clinicopathologic features and the PET maximal-standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary tumor was investigated. Predictors for nodal metastasis were determined by multivariable logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the cutoff value of PET-SUVmax on the incidence of nodal metastasis. RESULTS: Nodal metastasis was detected in 9.6% (43 of 449) of the patients: 4.5% (n = 20) had pN1 and 5.1% (n = 23) had pN2 metastasis. The relationship between SUVmax and development of pathologic nodal metastasis was calculated using the receiver operating characteristic curve with cutoff point at SUVmax of 3.3. In multivariable analysis, PET-SUVmax exceeding 3.3 was the only independent predictor for N1/N2 metastasis (p = 0.016). Disease-free survival showed a trend of poor survival for patients with nodal metastasis (p = 0.068). CONCLUSIONS: High PET-SUVmax of the primary tumor is associated with elevated risk of nodal disease for peripheral T1a N0 NSCLC patients. Further diagnostic procedures, such as endobronchial ultrasound, may be required, especially if wedge resection or stereotactic body radiation therapy are being considered.

Clinical Predictors of Persistent Mediastinal Nodal Disease After Induction Therapy for Stage IIIA N2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Patients with persistent N2 disease after induction have poor survival. Many of these patients may have had mediastinoscopy before induction therapy, making reassessment of the mediastinum by repeat mediastinoscopy hazardous and inaccurate. The sensitivity and specificity of endobronchial ultrasonography and nodal fine-needle aspiration in this setting is unclear. In this study, we sought to identify the clinical predictors of persistent N2 disease after induction therapy, which may help in selecting the patients most likely to benefit from surgical resection. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospective database (1990 to 2014) was performed to identify patients who had surgical resection after induction therapy for clinical stage IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of persistent N2 disease. RESULTS: 203 patients (56% female; median age 64 years) underwent potentially curative lung resection after induction therapy. Ninety-seven patients (48%) had pathologic nodal downstaging (pN0/N1), which was associated with significantly better overall survival compared with patients with persistent N2 disease (5 years, 56% versus 35%, p = 0.047). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that upper or middle lobe location and less than 60% reduction of N2 SUVmax were independent predictors of persistent N2 disease. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with upper lobe tumors and less than 60% reduction in N2 SUVmax are more likely to have persistent N2 disease, which is often associated with poor survival rates. These clinical prognostic criteria may help surgeons in stratifying patients and properly selecting optimal surgical candidates.

Anatomical Segmentectomy and Wedge Resections Are Associated with Comparable Outcomes for Patients with Small cT1N0 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Sublobar resection is advocated for patients with NSCLC and compromised cardiopulmonary reserve, and for selected patients with early stage disease. Anatomic segmentectomy (AS) has traditionally been considered superior to wedge resection (WR), but well-balanced comparative studies are lacking. We hypothesize that WR and AS are associated with comparable oncologic outcomes for patients with cT1N0 NSCLC. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospective database was performed (2000-2014) for cT1N0 patients, excluding patients with multiple primary tumors, carcinoid tumors, adenocarcinoma in situ, and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma. Demographic, clinical, and pathological data were reviewed. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and differences compared using log-rank test. Multivariable analysis (MVA) of factors affecting DFS was performed by Cox regression analysis. For further comparison of the effect of resection type on survival, propensity score matching (i.e., by age, sex, Charlson comorbidity index, percent forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%), clinical tumor size, and tumor maximum standardized uptake value) was performed to obtain balanced cohorts of patients undergoing WR and AS (n = 76 per group). RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-nine patients met our selection criteria, including WR in 160 and AS in 129. Poor performance status and limited cardiopulmonary reserve were the primary indications for sublobar resection in 76% of WR patients and in 62% of AS patients (p = 0.011). Thirteen patients (4.5%) had pN1/2 disease. Patients undergoing AS were more likely to have nodal sampling/dissection [123 (95%) versus 112 (70%); p < 0.001], more stations sampled (3 versus 2; p < 0.001), and more total nodes resected (7 versus 4; p = 0.001). However, there was no difference between patients undergoing WR versus AS in local recurrence [15 versus 14; p = 0.68] or 5-year DFS (51% versus 53%; p = 0.7; median follow-up 34 months). Univariate analysis showed no effect of extent of resection on DFS [hazard ratio 1.07 (95% confidence interval 0.74-1.56); p = 0.696]. MVA showed that only tumor maximum standardized uptake value was associated with worse DFS [hazard ratio 1.07 (95% confidence interval 1.01-1.13); p = 0.016]. In the propensity-matched analysis of balanced subgroups, there was also no difference (p = 0.950) in 3- or 5-year DFS in cT1N0 patients undergoing WR (65% and 49%) or AS (68% and 49%). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that WR and AS are comparable oncologic procedures for carefully staged cT1N0 NSCLC patients. Although AS is associated with a more thorough lymph node dissection, this did not translate to a survival benefit in this patient population with a low rate of nodal metastases.

Predictors of Pleural Implants in Patients With Thymic Tumors.

BACKGROUND: In patients with thymic neoplasms, the pleural space is a frequent site of either synchronous or metachronous tumor dissemination after surgical resection. The objective of this study was to identify factors that predict pleural dissemination, which would allow for better surgical planning and consideration of novel adjuvant or surveillance strategies. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospective database (2000 to 2014) was performed to identify patients with thymic tumors (excluding neuroendocrine). Demographic, clinical, and pathologic data were reviewed. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of pleural implants (either occult synchronous or metachronous). Univariate predictors (p < 0.20) were selected for inclusion in a multivariable model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the effect and cutoff value of tumor size on the incidence of pleural metastasis. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-two patients with thymic tumors were identified. Pleural deposits were incidentally identified intraoperatively in 4 patients (2.5%) and developed during follow-up in 15 patients (10%), with a median follow-up of 34 months (interquartile range, 12 to 71). Univariate predictors of pleural metastasis were macroscopic capsular/organ invasion, preoperative core/surgical biopsy, induction therapy, pathologic tumor size, and World Health Organization type B3/C. In the multivariable model, core/surgical biopsy (hazard ratio [HR] 9.45, p = 0.002), macroscopic capsular invasion (HR 10.18, p = 0.008), and larger tumor size (HR 1.34, p = 0.044) were found to be independent predictors of pleural metastasis. The relation between the pathologic tumor size and development of pleural metastasis was further investigated with the ROC curve (area under the curve 0.78, p < 0.001), and the cutoff tumor size that gave the best combined sensitivity and specificity was 6.5 cm. Overall survival of patients with pleural implants was 88% and 50% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Five- and 10- year disease-free survival for the whole cohort was 80% and 30%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Development of pleural metastasis is predictable. Pathologic tumor size, an independent predictor of pleural implants, can be assessed intraoperatively. Because preoperative core needle biopsy is also an independent predictor of pleural dissemination, its use and execution should be carefully considered. Pleural exploration at the index operation should be considered in high-risk patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to assess the role of novel therapeutic strategies in reducing pleural disease.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Is a Safe and Effective Alternative to Thoracotomy for Anatomical Segmentectomy in Patients With Clinical Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: There is rising interest among thoracic surgeons in anatomical segmental resection for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the current study we compared video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and thoracotomy approaches for segmentectomy to explore the safety and oncologic efficacy of VATS for stage I NSCLC. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent segmentectomy for clinical stage I NSCLC from 2000 to 2013. Perioperative and oncologic outcomes were evaluated. The probabilities of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: We identified 193 segmentectomies, including 91 (47%) performed by VATS and 102 (53%) performed by thoracotomy. Patients who underwent VATS, although older (median age 72 versus 68 years; p = 0.016), had similar sex distribution (63% versus 61% women; p = 0.792) and similar clinical stages as the thoracotomy group (stage IA: VATS, 93.4% versus thoracotomy 87.3%; p = 0.152). No significant differences were found in the final pathologic stages (p = 0.439), total number of lymph nodes (LNs) sampled (7 versus 8; p = 0.104), or median number of mediastinal LN stations sampled (2 versus 2; p = 0.234). VATS was associated with decreased length of stay (4 versus 5 days; p = 0.001) and decreased pulmonary complications (13.2% versus 26.5%; p = 0.022). Five-year DFS and OS favored VATS over thoracotomy (58% versus 47%; p = 0.013 and 75% versus 62%; p = 0.017, respectively). By multivariable analysis, the only predictor of poor DFS or OS was larger tumor size. CONCLUSIONS: VATS segmentectomy is a safe and oncologically effective technique for the treatment of stage I NSCLC. Patients who underwent VATS had a shorter length of stay, fewer pulmonary complications, equivalent lymphadenectomy results, and similar oncologic outcomes compared with patients undergoing thoracotomy.

Locally advanced esophageal cancer: What becomes of 5-year survivors?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the long-term outcomes of patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer (LAEC) who underwent esophagectomy and survived at least 5 years, and the predictors of disease-free survival (DFS) beyond 5 years. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of a prospective database to identify patients with clinical stage T2N0M0 or higher LAEC. Medical records were reviewed to obtain demographic, clinical, and pathological characteristics, as well as data on recurrence and survival. Multivariable analysis of predictors of DFS beyond 5 years was performed using a Cox regression model. RESULTS: Between 1988 and 2009, 355 of 500 patients underwent esophagectomy for cT2N0M0 or higher disease. Of these 355 patients, 126 were alive and disease-free at the 5-year follow-up, for an actuarial 5-year DFS of 33%. Recurrent esophageal cancer developed in 8 patients after 5 years. Among the 126 surviving patients, the actuarial overall survival was 94% at 7 years and 80% at 10 years. On multivariable analysis, the sole significant predictor of DFS after the 5-year time point was non-en bloc resection at the original operation (P = .006). Pulmonary-related deaths accounted for 10 out of 22 noncancer deaths. A second primary cancer developed in 23 of the 126 surviving patients. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged survival can be obtained in one-third of patients with LAEC. An en bloc resection at the original operation is the most significant predictor of prolonged survival. Survivors experience a high rate of second primary cancer and an apparently high rate of deaths from pulmonary disease. Careful follow-up is necessary for these patients, even after the 5-year mark.

Lobectomy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: Effects of Cumulative Institutional Experience on Adequacy of Lymphadenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Because video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomies are increasingly being performed by thoracic surgeons, the adequacy of lymph node clearance by VATS compared with thoracotomy has been questioned, raising the possibility that patients are being understaged. One factor that may be overlooked in published studies is the learning curve of the surgeons and surgical volume in the adoption of VATS lobectomy. This study examined the effect of cumulative institutional VATS lobectomy experience on the adequacy of lymphadenectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a prospective database to identify 500 consecutive patients who underwent VATS lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at our institution between 2002 and 2012. For comparative purposes, the cohort was divided into halves, with an early group (first 250 cases) vs a late group (next 250 cases). Clinical and pathologic factors were analyzed. A propensity-matching analysis controlling for age, gender, pathologic stage, and percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 second was done to compare survival and adequacy of lymphadenectomy. RESULTS: Patients operated on in the late group were significantly older (72 vs 69 years, p = 0.001) and had worse pulmonary functions (median forced expiratory volume in 1 second 83% vs 91%, p < 0.001; median diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, 76% vs 85%, p < 0.001). Clinical and pathologic tumor sizes were significantly larger in the late group compared with the early group, with a median of 2.0 vs 1.8 cm (p = 0.002) for clinical T size and median of 2.1 vs 2.0 cm (p = 0.003) for pathologic T size. Patients in the late group had significantly more advanced clinical and pathologic stage distribution. The total number of lymph nodes and the number of nodal stations removed were significantly greater in the late group (p = 0.012) than in the early group (p < 0.001), and same results were obtained after propensity matching. No difference was seen in disease-free survival between the propensity-matched early vs late groups at 3 years (82% vs 85%, p = 0.187). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with NSCLC resected by VATS lobectomy, cumulative institutional experience significantly and positively affects the adequacy of lymphadenectomy. This may be related to the initial surgeon's learning curve with VATS lobectomy. As the experience with VATS lobectomy becomes more mature, the procedure is increasingly being performed on older patients, often with more compromised pulmonary function and more advanced stage disease. Despite the expanded inclusion of older and sicker patients for VATS lobectomy, no compromise was seen in their disease-free survival.