Micropapillary Predominance Is a Risk Factor for Brain Metastasis in Resected Lung Adenocarcinoma

Takao Shigenobu1, Yusuke Takahashi2, Yohei Masugi3

  • 1Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Saiseikai Utsunomiya Hospital, Tochigi, Japan.

Abstract

Insights

Histologic subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma impact brain metastasis risk. Micropapillary predominance is an independent risk factor for brain metastasis, necessitating consideration in postoperative management.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Histologic subtyping in lung adenocarcinoma offers prognostic value.
  • Brain metastasis (BM) is a critical concern in lung adenocarcinoma management.
  • Risk stratification for BM is essential for effective patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of histologic subtypes on the risk of brain metastasis in patients with resected lung adenocarcinoma.
  • To determine if histologic subtyping can aid in risk stratification for brain metastasis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 448 patients with completely resected lung adenocarcinoma.
  • Correlation of clinical variables and brain metastasis-free survival.
  • Univariate and multivariate analyses to identify risk factors for BM.

Main Results:

  • Micropapillary predominance was significantly associated with a higher risk of BM (HR=2.727, P=.011).
  • Increased micropapillary subtype percentage positively correlated with BM frequency.
  • Patients with micropapillary adenocarcinoma had significantly poorer BM-free survival.

Conclusions:

  • Micropapillary subtype is an independent risk factor for BM in resected lung adenocarcinoma.
  • Histologic subtyping, specifically identifying micropapillary predominance, can inform postoperative management decisions.
  • Early detection of BM risk through histologic evaluation is clinically important.