Follow-up of patients with resected thoracic malignancies

The authors have systematically performed a literature search using 8 databases identifying established guidelines for follow-up after resected thoracic malignancies. Seven different societies' (found to have published recommendations for non-small cell lung cancer, esophageal cancer, thymoma, or mesothelioma) guidelines are reviewed in this article. High-quality evidence leading to consistent, strong recommendations among societies has not been found. With the subsequent advancements in surgical treatment and other curative modalities, the ability to detect and intervene with curative therapy at earlier stages of disease in a growing portion of the current patient population will benefit from higher-quality evidence.