Surgical treatment of pulmonary oligorecurrence after curative resection for non-small-cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES: The most appropriate therapeutic strategy for patients with pulmonary oligorecurrence after curative resection of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear; therefore, characterizing the results of various treatments for pulmonary oligorecurrence would be valuable. This study compared the prognosis of operative and non-operative treatment for pulmonary oligorecurrence after complete resection of NSCLC. METHODS: Among 2230 patients from a prospective lung cancer database who underwent surgical resection between 2004 and 2014, 486 patients (22%) experienced recurrence, including 254 with pulmonary recurrence and 102 with pulmonary oligorecurrence (5 or fewer metastatic lesions). Post-recurrence survival (PRS) rates were compared between those who received operative or non-operative treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, chemoradiotherapy and best supportive care. RESULTS: Among 102 patients with pulmonary oligorecurrence, 41 patients received operative treatment and 61 received non-operative treatment (34 chemotherapy, 15 radiotherapy, 9 chemoradiotherapy and 3 best supportive care). The patients who received operative treatment were significantly younger at the first operation than those in the non-operative group and had better performance status, lower pathological T stage at the first operation, younger age at recurrence and fewer metastatic lesions. The median PRS was 46.4 months, and the 5-year PRS rates were 67% and 26% in the operative and non-operative groups, respectively. The multivariable analysis revealed that undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery at the first operation and receiving operative treatment for recurrence were independent prognostic factors for more favourable PRS. CONCLUSIONS: Operative treatment of pulmonary oligorecurrence after curative resection significantly prolonged the PRS in patients who underwent curative resection for NSCLC.