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Thymic carcinoma: outcomes after surgical resection
Ikenna C Okereke1, Kenneth A Kesler, Richard K Freeman
1Department of Surgery, Cardiothoracic Division, Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University Health, and Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, St. Vincent Health and Hospital System, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA. iokereke@iupui.edu
Surgical resection offers favorable cure rates for thymic carcinoma, even in locally advanced cases. Complete resection in early-stage disease leads to long-term survival, demonstrating the value of multimodality therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Thymic carcinoma is a rare cancer with limited outcome data after curative-intent therapy.
- Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing surgical resection at two institutions was performed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate outcomes for patients with thymic carcinoma treated with curative intent surgery.
- To assess the impact of surgical resection on long-term survival in thymic carcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 16 patients (1990-2011) who underwent surgical resection for thymic carcinoma.
- Data compiled included demographics, Masaoka stage, neoadjuvant chemotherapy use, surgical procedures, and outcomes.
- Complete resection rates, local recurrence, and survival data were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Masaoka stages at presentation: I (19%), II (25%), III (50%), IV (6%).
- Complete resection achieved in 14 patients (88%) with only 1 local recurrence.
- Mean survival was 4.2 years; 10 patients were alive and well at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Complete surgical resection is associated with favorable cure rates in thymic carcinoma, particularly for early-stage disease.
- Long-term survival is achievable in select patients with locally advanced thymic carcinoma using a multimodality approach.
- Increased CT imaging aids early detection, improving outcomes for thymic carcinoma patients amenable to surgery.
