Search Results (12)

Background/Objectives: Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant diseases in humans. Numerous studies have demonstrated the significance of [¹⁸F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the staging of this condition. Methods: The pictorial evaluation is based on a recent study comparing preoperative imaging with postoperative histopathological findings following thoracic surgery. It confirmed the value of PET/CT in assessing primary tumor extent and metastatic lymph node involvement; but also revealed discrepancies in primary tumor (T) and lymph nodes (N) classification in 25% and 14% of patients, respectively. Results: The aim of this pictorial review is to highlight and further analyze the causes of inaccurate staging, identify potential diagnostic pitfalls, and provide practical recommendations to help avoid misinterpretation of PET/CT findings. Additionally, the impact of the newly introduced ninth edition of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) primary tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasis (TNM) staging system for lung cancer is discussed. Conclusions: In this pictorial review, we presented various sources of error in preoperative staging observed at our institution. Awareness of these potential pitfalls may aid in improving staging accuracy and distinguishing physiological or reactive (benign) processes from pathological findings. Full article

Lung cancer is a prevalent malignant disease with the highest mortality rate among oncological conditions. The assessment of its clinical TNM staging primarily relies on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the thorax and proximal abdomen, sometimes with the addition of positron emission tomography/CT scans, mainly for better evaluation of mediastinal lymph node involvement and detection of distant metastases. The purpose of TNM staging is to establish a universal nomenclature for the anatomical extent of lung cancer, facilitating interdisciplinary communication for treatment decisions and research advancements. Recent studies utilizing a large international database and multidisciplinary insights indicate a need to update the TNM classification to enhance the anatomical categorization of lung cancer, ultimately optimizing treatment strategies. The eighth edition of the TNM classification, issued by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), transitioned to the ninth edition on 1 January 2025. Key changes include a more detailed classification of the N and M descriptor categories, whereas the T descriptor remains unchanged. Notably, the N2 category will be split into N2a and N2b based on the single-station or multi-station involvement of ipsilateral mediastinal and/or subcarinal lymph nodes, respectively. The M1c category will differentiate between single (M1c1) and multiple (M1c2) organ system involvement for extrathoracic metastases. This review article emphasizes the role of radiologists in implementing the updated TNM classification through CT imaging for correct clinical lung cancer staging and optimal patient management. Full article

Previous studies suggested that the location of the primary tumor in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with clinical features and prognosis, but results are conflicting. The purpose of this study was to explore tumor location as an independent risk factor of survival for patients with completely resected pathological stage I NSCLC. This was a multicenter retrospective study conducted in Taiwan. Included patients were diagnosed with stage I NSCLC and had undergone primary tumor resection. Variables including tumor location, pathological stage, histological differentiation, and International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) grade were evaluated for predictive ability for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). A total of 208 patients were included, with 123 (59.1%) patients having a primary tumor in the upper and middle lobes. The median duration of follow-up for survivors was 60.5 months. Compared to patients with IASLC Grade 3 disease, patients with Grade 1 disease had significantly longer DFS. Tumor location and IASLC grade were independent predictors for OS in multivariate analysis. Specifically, patients with NSCLC in the lower lobe and patients who are histologically classified as IASLC Grade 3 may have poorer prognosis and require greater attention to improve outcomes. Full article

Thymomas are rare tumors of the anterior mediastinum with peculiar clinical and pathological features. They have been deeply analyzed by pioneer authors, who strictly linked their name to the main pathological and staging classifications. Before the latest edition of the WHO classification of thymic epithelial tumors, the history of thymoma pathological classification inherited the name of the pathologists who systematically addressed the issue, from Levine-Rosai to Muller-Hermelink. Similarly, the thymoma staging system is intimately related to the name of two surgeons, Masaoka and Koga, who historically dealt with this disease. More recently, the traditional tumor-nodes-metastasis (TNM) system has been developed for the staging of this condition, in a rational attempt to put thymomas in conformity with the other solid tumors. The efforts of the International Thymic Malignancies Interest Group (ITMIG) and the Thymic Domain of the Staging and Prognostic Factors Committee (TD-SPFC) of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) resulted in the TNM classification of thymic tumors, which have been included in the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer’s (AJCC) Cancer Staging Manual. Herein, we report a narrative review of the evolution of the thymic epithelial tumors (TET) staging system and present a critical appraisal of the actual TNM classification compared with the historical Masaoka-Koga classification, with special focus on the proposal for the ninth edition of the TNM, expected in 2024. Full article

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women in the United States. Accurate staging is needed to determine prognosis and devise effective treatment plans. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) has made multiple revisions to the tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) staging system used by the Union for International Cancer Control and the American Joint Committee on Cancer to stage lung cancer. The eighth edition of this staging system includes modifications to the T classification with cut points of 1 cm increments in tumor size, grouping of lung cancers associated with partial or complete lung atelectasis or pneumonitis, grouping of tumors with involvement of a main bronchus regardless of distance from the carina, and upstaging of diaphragmatic invasion to T4. The N classification describes the spread to regional lymph nodes and no changes were proposed for TNM-8. In the M classification, metastatic disease is divided into intra- versus extrathoracic metastasis, and single versus multiple metastases. In order to optimize patient outcomes, it is important to understand the nuances of the TNM staging system, the strengths and weaknesses of various imaging modalities used in lung cancer staging, and potential pitfalls in image interpretation. Full article

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy have been used in the perioperative setting of non-small-cell carcinoma (NSCLC); however, the five-year survival rate only improves by about 5%. Neoadjuvant treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has become significant due to improved survival in advanced NSCLC patients treated with immunotherapy agents. The assessment of pathology response has been proposed as a surrogate indicator of the benefits of neaodjuvant therapy. An outline of recommendations has been published by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) for the evaluation of pathologic response (PR). However, recent studies indicate that evaluations of immune-related changes are distinct in surgical resected samples from patients treated with immunotherapy. Several clinical trials of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in resectable NSCLC have included the study of biomarkers that can predict the response of therapy and monitor the response to treatment. In this review, we provide relevant information on the current recommendations of the assessment of pathological responses in surgical resected NSCLC tumors treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy, and we describe current and potential biomarkers to predict the benefits of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in patients with resectable NSCLC. Full article

Different definitions of complete resection were formulated to complement the residual tumor (R) descriptor proposed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer in 1977. The definitions went beyond resection margins to include the status of the visceral pleura, the most distant nodes and the nodal capsule and the performance of a complete mediastinal lymphadenectomy. In 2005, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) proposed definitions for complete, incomplete and uncertain resections for international implementation. Central to the IASLC definition of complete resection is an adequate nodal evaluation either by systematic nodal dissection or lobe-specific systematic nodal dissection, as well as the integrity of the highest mediastinal node, the nodal capsule and the resection margins. When there is evidence of cancer remaining after treatment, the resection is incomplete, and when all margins are free of tumor, but the conditions for complete resection are not fulfilled, the resection is defined as uncertain. The prognostic relevance of the definitions has been validated by four studies. The definitions can be improved in the future by considering the cells spread through air spaces, the residual tumor cells, DNA or RNA in the blood, and the determination of the adequate margins and lymphadenectomy in sublobar resections. Full article

Background: Studies have shown that aggressive treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with oligometastatic disease improves the overall survival (OS) compared to a palliative approach and some immunotherapy checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and T-Lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors are now part of the standard of care for advanced NSCLC. However, the prognostic impact of PD-L1 expression in the oligometastatic setting remains unknown. Methods: Patients with oligometastatic NSCLC were identified from the patient database of the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM). “Oligometastatic disease” definition chosen is one synchronous metastasis based on the M1b staging of the eight IASLC (The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer) Classification (within sixth months of diagnosis) or up to three cerebral metastasis based on the methodology of the previous major phase II randomized study of Gomez et al. We compared the OS between patients receiving aggressive treatment at both metastatic and primary sites (Group A) and patients receiving non-aggressive treatment (Group B). Subgroup analysis was performed using tumor PD-L1 expression. Results: Among 643 metastatic NSCLC patients, we identified 67 patients with oligometastasis (10%). Median follow-up was 13.3 months. Twenty-nine patients (43%) received radical treatment at metastatic and primary sites (Group A), and 38 patients (57%) received non-aggressive treatment (Group B). The median OS (mOS) of Group A was significantly longer than for Group B (26 months vs. 5 months, p = 0.0001). Median progression-free survival (mPFS) of Group A was superior than Group B (17.5 months vs. 3.4 months, p = 0.0001). This difference was still significant when controlled for primary tumor staging: stage I (p = 0.316), stage II (p = 0.024), and stage III (p = 0.001). In the cohort of patients who were not treated with PD-L1 inhibitors, PD-L1 expression negatively correlated with mOS. Conclusions: Aggressive treatments of oligometastatic NSCLC significantly improve mOS and mPFS compared to a more palliative approach. PD-L1 expression is a negative prognostic factor which suggests a possible role for immunotherapy in this setting. Full article

The impact of the new International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer pathology committee grading system for advanced lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) on survival is unclear, especially in Asian populations. In this study, we reviewed the prognostic outcomes of patients with late-stage disease according to the new grading system. We reviewed 136 LADC cases who underwent a small biopsy from 2007 to 2018. Tumors were classified according to the new grading system for LADC. Baseline characteristics (age, sex, smoking status, body mass index, and driver gene mutations) were analyzed. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to determine correlations with the new grading system and prognosis. Patients with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma were significantly correlated with a poor progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.013) but not overall survival (OS) (p = 0.154). Subgroup analysis showed that wild-type EGFR patients with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma treated with chemotherapy had significantly worse PFS (p = 0.011). There was no significant difference in survival among the patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations who were treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Patients aged >70 years and those with a BMI ≤ 25 kg/m² and wild-type patients had significantly worse OS in both univariate (HR = 1.822, p = 0.006; HR = 2.250, p = 0.004; HR = 1.537, p = 0.046, respectively) and multivariate analyses (HR = 1.984, p = 0.002; HR = 2.383, p = 0.002; HR = 1.632, p = 0.028, respectively). Despite therapy, patients with poorly differentiated tumors still fared worse than those with better differentiated tumors. No differences were found among the EGFR mutations treated with TKI. Our findings highlight that the therapeutic regimen should be adjusted for EGFR Wild-type patients with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma treated with chemotherapy to provide better outcomes. Full article

Background: In this research, we used the mediastinal lymph node reclassification proposed by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (iaslc) to screen for patients with pathologic N2 (pN2) non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc) who might benefit from postoperative radiotherapy (port). Methods: The study enrolled 440 patients with pN2 nsclc who received complete surgical resection and allocated them to one of three groups: N2a1 (single-station skip mediastinal lymph node metastasis), N2a2 (single-station non-skip mediastinal lymph node metastasis), and N2b (multi-station mediastinal lymph node metastasis). Rates of local recurrence at first recurrence in patients receiving and not receiving port were compared using the chi-square test. Overall (os) and disease-free survival (dfs) were then compared using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis with log-rank test. In addition, the factors potentially influencing os and dfs were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression. Results: The rate of local recurrence for the N2a2 and N2b groups was significantly lower in patients receiving port (p = 0.044 and p = 0.043 respectively). The log-rank test revealed that, for the N2a1 group, differences in os and dfs were not statistically significant between the patients who did and did not receive port (p = 0.304 and p = 0.197 respectively). For the N2a2 group, os and dfs were markedly superior in patients who received port compared with those who did not (p = 0.001 and p = 0.014 respectively). For the N2b group, os was evidently better in patients who received port compared with those who did not (p = 0.025), but no statistically significant difference in dfs was observed (p = 0.134). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that, in the N2a1 group, port was significantly associated with poor os [hazard ratio (hr): 2.618; 95% confidence interval (ci): 1.185 to 5.785; p = 0.017]; in the N2a2 group, port was associated with improved os (hr: 0.481; 95% ci: 0.314 to 0.736; p = 0.001) and dfs (hr: 0.685; 95% ci: 0.479 to 0.980; p = 0.039). Conclusions: For patients with pN2 nsclc who receive complete resection, port might be beneficial only for patients with single-station non-skip metastasis (N2a2). Patients with single-station skip metastasis (N2a1) and multi-station metastasis (N2b) might not currently benefit from port. Full article

This paper summarizes the practical impact of the College of American Pathologists, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, and the Association for Molecular Pathology lung cancer biomarkers guidelines on the lung cancer approach in Canada, providing possible practical solutions for other similar health care systems in which scientific reality needs to be constantly balanced against economic reality. Full article