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An Orthotopic Resectional Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer
Published on: September 24, 2020
Pancoast tumor: a modern perspective on an old problem
Lawrence R Glassman1, Kevin Hyman
1Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, Great Neck, New York 11021, USA.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|May 25, 2013
Summary
Treatment for Pancoast tumors (superior sulcus tumors) has evolved significantly. Trimodality therapy combining chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery has transformed this once fatal condition into a treatable one with outcomes comparable to other non-small cell lung cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Pancoast tumors, or superior sulcus tumors, present significant clinical challenges.
- Historically, these tumors had a universally fatal prognosis.
Observation:
- The Southwest Oncology Group 9416 Intergroup 0160 trial demonstrated trimodality therapy (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery) yields optimal outcomes.
- Subsequent research has corroborated these findings, with advancements like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery being introduced.
- Despite therapeutic advancements, overall survival rates have not significantly improved.
Findings:
- Trimodality therapy has become the standard of care for superior sulcus tumors.
- Outcomes for treated superior sulcus tumors now approach those of other stage-matched non-small cell lung cancers.
Implications:
- Future treatment strategies may involve detailed genetic analysis for personalized therapies.
- Continued research aims to further improve survival rates for non-small cell lung cancers, including Pancoast tumors.
