Predictors of residual simultaneous multiple ground-glass nodule progression after dominant lesion resection

This study aimed to identify the predictive factors for the progression of residual simultaneous multifocal ground-glass nodules (SMGGNs) after resection of the dominant lesion.

Patients (n = 3420) with primary lung cancer who underwent lung resections at our hospital between 2006 and 2016 were screened, and the data from 82 patients who had residual SMGGNs after undergoing surgery for the dominant lesion (pathologically stage 0-IIA) were retrospectively analyzed. Clinicopathological factors that predicted the growth of residual second dominant GGNs were identified.

Median total tumor and solid component sizes of the residual second dominant GGNs were 1.3 cm (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.6-2.0) and 0 cm (IQR: 0-0.7), respectively. During a median follow-up period of 54 months (IQR: 37-78 months), 35 (43%) lesions progressed. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age younger than 70 (OR: 10.54, 95% CI: 1.71-65.11), a dominant lesion with pure solid appearance (reference: GGN, OR: 18.16, 95% CI: 1.66-198.60), a second dominant GGN total size larger than 1.0 cm (OR: 12.27, 95% CI: 1.85-81.17), and a second dominant GGN solid component size larger than 0.5 cm (OR: 17.59, 95% CI: 3.58-86.47) were significant predictive factors for the progression of residual GGNs (all p values < 0.03). Based on an analysis of growth patterns, rapid growth was higher in second dominant GGNs with a part-solid appearance.

If the resected dominant lesion or the residual second dominant GGN exhibits high-risk factors, the second dominant GGN should be meticulously observed.