Related Experiment Videos
Superior sulcus (Pancoast) tumor: experience with 105 patients
S Attar1, M J Krasna, J R Sonett
1Department of Surgery, University of Maryland Hospital, Baltimore 21201, USA. sattar@surgery1.umaryland.edu
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|August 6, 1998
Summary
Optimal treatment for superior sulcus tumors involves preoperative radiation and surgery. Triple modality therapy shows promise but needs further study for Pancoast tumor patients.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic oncology
- Surgical oncology
- Radiation oncology
Background:
- Review of 105 patients with superior sulcus (Pancoast) tumors over 42 years.
- Analysis of patient demographics and tumor cell types.
- Evaluation of evolving therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of therapy for superior sulcus tumors.
- To identify factors affecting survival in Pancoast tumor patients.
- To determine the optimal treatment approach.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 105 patients treated over 42 years.
- Categorization into 5 treatment groups based on therapy modality.
- Analysis of survival data based on treatment received and disease characteristics.
Main Results:
- Median survival varied significantly by treatment group (e.g., 36.7 months for operation alone vs. not reached for preoperative chemotherapy, radiation, and operation).
- Univariate and multivariate analyses identified mediastinal lymph node involvement (N2/N3 disease) and therapy method as significant survival predictors.
- Triple modality therapy (Group IV) demonstrated promising survival, with an estimated 72% at 5 years.
Conclusions:
- Preoperative radiation and operation is identified as an optimal treatment for superior sulcus tumors.
- Triple modality therapy, while promising, requires extended follow-up for definitive conclusions.
- Treatment selection should consider disease extent and lymph node involvement for improved patient outcomes.