Open AccessRole of surgery for stage IIIA‐N2 non‐small cell lung cancer
Author(s) -
Yang Fan,
Wang Jun
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
thoracic cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 28
eISSN - 1759-7714
pISSN - 1759-7706
DOI - 10.1111/j.1759-7714.2011.00048.x
Subject(s) - medicine , stage (stratigraphy) , lung cancer , oncology , paleontology , biology
Perhaps no topic other than stage IIIA‐N2 non‐small‐cell lung cancer management is as controversial among surgeons, radiologists and medical oncologists. Much of the debate relates to the choice between surgical resection and radiation as the local control modality. Although limited, available evidence from randomized controlled trails raised concerns about the role of surgical resection. However, there is no perfect study, and the results should not be over‐interpreted. This mini review will scrutinize these trials, focusing on the study design, results and, most importantly, limitations, and will explore the possible role of surgery for stage IIIA‐N2 non‐small‐cell lung cancer.