Advancements in Lung Cancer Surgical Treatment and Prognosis

Dear Colleagues,

Lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, is on the cusp of a transformative era. With advancements in surgical techniques, targeted therapies, and the emergence of immunotherapies, our approach to combating this disease is evolving. Key factors include accurate staging, early biomarker detection, and insights from recent clinical trials, all shaping the future of cancer outcomes. This Special Issue will highlight the latest developments in lung cancer treatment. The aim is to explore the newest surgical techniques, prognosis, and the role of targeted and immunotherapies, and to engage in discussions that are changing the landscape of lung cancer care.

We are seeking insightful manuscripts that explore the forefront of lung cancer surgical techniques, the impact of targeted therapies, and the collaborative dialogues steering lung cancer care. Contributions that illuminate the nuances of precise staging, the critical importance of early molecular testing, and findings from contemporary clinical trials are particularly sought after. Comprehensive reviews that paint a clear picture of current lung cancer treatments, prognosis, and emerging trends are also highly encouraged.

Spotlight topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. The Surgical Renaissance—Advancements in VATS and RATS and their impact on patient outcomes.
2. Resectability Redefined—The art of combining oncologic, physiologic, and anatomic insights for a standardized reporting structure.
3. Staging—The importance and challenges of accurate staging and early biomarker testing.
4. Segmentectomy vs. Wedge Resection in Early-Stage Lung Cancer—Surgical Outcomes, Oncologic Efficacy, and Future Directions.
5. Operable N2 Disease—Criteria, Controversies, and Clinical Outcomes.
6. Oligometastatic Disease—Defining the Spectrum, Therapeutic Approaches, and Future Directions.
7. Management of Complex Lung Cancers—Tackling tumors involving the chest wall, mediastinum, or other critical structures with techniques like cardiopulmonary bypass and ECMO.
8. Multimodality Therapy—Combining surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies for optimal lung cancer outcomes.
9. Immunotherapy and Oncogene-Targeted Therapies—Current status, challenges, and future directions in operable lung cancer.
10. Management of Treatment-Related Complications—Addressing complications from surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies.
11. Novel Biomarkers in Lung Cancer—Discovering and validating new biomarkers for early detection, operability, prognosis, and treatment response.
12. Artificial Intelligence in Thoracic Oncology—Using AI for enhanced imaging, treatment prediction, and patient outcomes.
13. Quality of Life and Survivorship—Addressing long-term effects of treatment, rehabilitation, and psychosocial challenges post-lung cancer surgery.
14. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Resectable Lung Cancer Care—Addressing Disparities, Challenges, and Pathways Forward.
15. Enhanced Recovery After Thoracic Surgery (ERATS)—Protocols to optimize post-operative outcomes and reduce hospitalization.

Prof. Dr. Sai Yendamuri
Dr. Kenneth Patrick Seastedt
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.