Keys to successful induction chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery for stage III/N2 non-small cell lung cancer

Surgical intervention after induction chemoradiation is designed as curative treatment for resectable stage III/N2 non-small cell lung cancer. However, there is no definitive evidence to support this approach, possibly because successful treatment requires certain “arts”, such as proper patient selection, an appropriate induction regimen, and choice of the best surgical procedure. We review the previous reports and discuss our own experience to explore the appropriate strategy for patients with resectable stage III/N2 disease, and to identify the factors associated with successful surgical intervention. Among the studies reviewed, the complete resection rate among intention-to-treat cases was correlated well with the 5-year survival rate, whereas the pneumonectomy rate was correlated inversely with the 5-year survival rate. The clinical response rate and downstaging after induction treatment were not associated with survival. Based on these findings, we conclude that complete resection with the avoidance of pneumonectomy is important when selecting candidates for multimodal treatment including radical surgery.