Induction chemoradiation and surgical resection for non-small cell lung carcinomas of the superior sulcus: Initial results of Southwest Oncology Group trial 9416 (Intergroup trial 0160)

Valerie W. Rusch, Dorothy J. Giroux, Michael J. Kraut, John Crowley, Mark Hazuka, David Johnson, Melvyn Goldberg, Frank Detterbeck, Frances Shepherd, Ronald Burkes, Timothy Winton, Claude Deschamps, Robert Livingston, David Gandara

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260 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: The rate of complete resection (50%) and the 5-year survival (30%) for non-small cell lung carcinomas of the superior sulcus have not changed for 40 years. Recently, combined modality therapy has improved outcome in other subsets of locally advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma. This trial tested the feasibility of induction chemoradiation and surgical resection in non-small cell lung carcinoma of the superior sulcus with the ultimate aim of improving resectability and survival. Methods: Patients with mediastinoscopy-negative T3-4 N0-1 superior sulcus non-small cell lung carcinoma received 2 cycles of cisplatin and etoposide chemotherapy concurrent with 45 Gy of radiation. Patients with stable or responding disease underwent thoracotomy 3 to 5 weeks later. All patients received 2 more cycles of chemotherapy and were followed up by serial radiographs and scans. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and prognostic factors were assessed for significance by Cox regression analysis. Results: From April 1995 to September 1999, 111 eligible patients (77 men, 34 women) were entered in the study, including 80 (72.1%) with T3 and 31 with T4 tumors. Induction therapy was completed as planned in 102 (92%) patients. There were 3 treatment-related deaths (2.7%). Cytopenia was the main grade 3 to 4 toxicity. Of 95 patients eligible for surgery, 83 underwent thoracotomy, 2 (2.4%) died postoperatively, and 76 (92%) had a complete resection. Fifty-four (65%) thoracotomy specimens showed either a pathologic complete response or minimal microscopic disease. The 2-year survival was 55% for all eligible patients and 70% for patients who had a complete resection. To date, survival is not significantly influenced by patient sex, T status, or pathologic response. Conclusions: (1) This combined modality treatment is feasible in a multi-institutional setting; (2) the pathologic complete response rates were high; and (3) resectability and overall survival were improved compared with historical experience, especially for T4 tumors, which usually have a grim prognosis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)472-483
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Volume121
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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