Sublobar resections for lung cancer

Sublobar resection has been utilized as an alternative to lobectomy for the treatment of early-stage lung cancer in patients with compromised preoperative pulmonary function. Early data have suggested higher rates of local recurrence and increased late mortality for sublobar resection as compared with lobectomy. Subsequent studies have been mixed with respect to outcomes. Here we review the existing literature comparing sublobar resection to lobectomy with respect to oncologic and pulmonary outcomes. We also discuss the effect of adjuvant intraoperative brachytherapy to sublobar resection and summarize ongoing clinical trials that compare sublobar resection to sublobar resection plus adjuvant brachytherapy in the treatment of early-stage lung cancer. Finally, based on the current evidence, we provide recommendations as to when sublobar resection might be considered in the treatment of lung cancer.