Management of Stage IIIA (N2) Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

• Published in: Thoracic surgery clinics Vol. 26; no. 3; pp. 271 - 285
• Main Authors: Gillaspie, Erin A., MD, Wigle, Dennis A., MD, PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-08-2016
• Subjects: Adjuvant; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung - pathology; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung - therapy; Cardiothoracic Surgery; Disease Management; Humans; Lung Neoplasms - pathology; Lung Neoplasms - therapy; Neoadjuvant; Neoplasm Staging; Non–small cell lung cancer; PORT; Stage IIIA; Surgery; Non–small cell lung cancer; PORT; N2; Surgery; Neoadjuvant; Adjuvant; Stage IIIA
• ISSN: 1547-4127; 1558-5069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2016.04.001

There is no consensus as to the optimal management of IIIA (N2) non–small cell lung cancer, nor for the role of surgery in treating this disease stage. Clinical trial evidence struggles to keep up with technology advancement and the evolution of expert opinion. Despite advances in chemotherapeutic regimens, methods of delivery for radiation, and less invasive surgical techniques, survival for patients with stage IIIA-N2 malignancies remains poor. Further developments in both will stimulate and maintain controversy in the field for years to come.