[Long-term Results of Sublobar Resection for Lung Cancer;a 10-year Follow-up Study]

As a treatment for lung cancer, sublobar resection has been performed not only for high-risk patients but also for patients with radiographic early stage lung cancer. Although many studies revealed the short-term results of sublobar resection, long-term outcomes are still unclear. Here, we examined the 10-year follow-up results of sublobar resection for lung cancer, especially in overall survival(OS), cause-specific survival(CSS)and recurrence or death dynamics. Data from 48 consecutive patients who underwent sublobar resection for lung cancer between 2004 to 2008 were collected(21 patients:segmentectomy, 27:wedge resection). The median length of follow-up was 10 years. During follow-up, recurrences developed in 12 patients(25%)and 19 patients(40%)died, including 9(19%)patient deaths due to lung cancer. The 3-/5-/10-year OS and CSS rates for all patients were 81/77/61% and 87/85/80%, respectively. In terms of recurrence or death, 11 out of 12 patients with recurrences were diagnosed within the 3rd year. The peak of death due to lung cancer was shown to be years after surgery to which wedge resection contributed. On contrast, small peaks of non-cancer death were shown to be 8-10 years after surgery without relation to surgical procedure.