Role of Surgery for Patients with Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

This article examines the current role of surgery in stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While management of patients with metastatic NSCLC has typically been limited to palliation of symptoms and efforts toward modest life prolongation, advances in tumor molecular profiling and systemic therapies have resulted in demonstrable survival benefits. Moreover, surgical resection in appropriately selected patients with adequate functional status and controllable metastatic disease has the potential to impact survival and quality of life outcomes as part of a multidisciplinary treatment paradigm. Ongoing prospective trials will address remaining gaps regarding optimal timing, patient selection, and procedural nuances.