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Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: February 27, 2026
Surgery for early-stage small cell lung cancer
Bryan J Schneider1, Ashish Saxena, Robert J Downey
1Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York 10021, USA. bjs2004@med.cornell.edu
Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN
|October 7, 2011
Summary
Limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is challenging to treat. This review explores surgical resection as a potentially curative option for very limited disease, despite current standard therapy limitations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) presents significant treatment challenges.
- Standard care (chemotherapy + radiation) yields high initial response but poor long-term survival due to recurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on surgical resection for limited-stage SCLC.
- To propose guidelines for incorporating surgery into SCLC management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of retrospective studies and small single-arm trials.
- Analysis of evidence supporting surgical resection in select SCLC cases.
Main Results:
- Limited high-level data support surgery for early-stage SCLC.
- Retrospective data suggest potential benefit for patients with very limited disease extent.
Conclusions:
- Surgical resection may offer a curative option for select patients with limited-stage SCLC.
- Guidelines are proposed for considering surgery in the multidisciplinary management of SCLC.