Advances in the use of surgery and multimodality treatment for N2 non-small cell lung cancer

a. Introduction: Sstage IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents a heterogeneous group of bronchogenic carcinomas with locoregional involvement. Different categories of N2 disease exist, ranging from unexpectedly encountered N2 involvement after detailed preoperative staging or “surprise” N2, to potentially resectable disease treated within a combined
modality setting, and finally, bulky N2 involvement treated by chemoradiation.
b. Areas covered: Large randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses on stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC have been published but their results and implications for treatment remain a matter of debate. No definite recommendations can be provided as diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms
vary according to local, national or international guidelines.
c. Expert commentary: However,From literature it is clear that these patients with stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC should be treated by combined modality therapy including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. The relative contribution of each modality has not been firmly established. For patients undergoing induction therapy, adequate restaging is important as only downstaged
patients will clearly benefit from surgical resection. Each patient should be discussed within a multidisciplinary team to determine the best diagnostic and therapeutic approach according to the specific local expertise. In the near future it might be expected that targeted therapies and immunotherapy will be incorporated as possible therapeutic options.