肺がんの病期分類：臨床基準を引き上げるための統一的かつ普遍的な主要業績評価指標とベンチマークの開発に向けた提言

Accurate staging is pivotal in lung cancer management, yet standardized key performance indicators (KPIs) for staging practices are lacking. We identified a number of critical areas in the staging process and outlined a starter set of SMART KPIs for patients with early stage NSCLC. We propose clear definitions (numerators/denominators, timing anchors) and risk-adjusted benchmarks. These KPIs should be used to monitor and improve clinical practice; they are not intended to dictate the structure of the TNM classification, which must remain an objective, globally applicable anatomic language. Implementing staging KPIs can enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes in lung cancer care.