A randomized phase III trial of postoperative surveillance for pathological stage II and IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (JCOG2012, PHOENIX)

Kenta Tane ¹, Satoshi Shiono ², Masashi Wakabayashi ³

⁰Division of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital East, 6-5-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan.

Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology +

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May 2, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This trial investigates if less frequent CT scans improve survival for non-small cell lung cancer patients post-surgery. It compares standard surveillance against a less intensive approach to determine the optimal follow-up strategy.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Thoracic Surgery
Radiology

Background

Postoperative surveillance for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) aims to detect recurrence and second primary tumors for timely curative treatment.
Current guidelines recommend frequent computed tomography (CT) scans, but evidence supporting their survival benefit, particularly for locally advanced NSCLC, is limited.

Purpose Of The Study

To confirm the non-inferiority of a less intensive surveillance strategy with reduced CT scan frequency compared to standard surveillance in terms of overall survival for NSCLC patients.
To evaluate the effectiveness of optimized postoperative surveillance protocols in improving patient outcomes.

Main Methods

A multi-institutional, randomized controlled phase III trial involving patients with pathological stage II and IIIA NSCLC.
Comparison of less intensive surveillance (less frequent CT scans) versus standard surveillance (current guideline-recommended frequency).
Primary endpoint is overall survival, with planned enrollment of 1100 patients across 45 institutions over 4 years.

Main Results

Data collection and analysis are ongoing as the trial was launched in October 2022.
The study is designed to provide robust evidence on the survival impact of different surveillance intensities.

Conclusions

The trial aims to establish evidence-based recommendations for postoperative NSCLC surveillance, potentially leading to less burdensome and more cost-effective follow-up protocols.
Findings will inform clinical practice guidelines regarding the optimal frequency of CT scans for NSCLC survivors.

Keywords:

chest computed tomography scan non-small cell lung cancer surgery surveillance