The Role of Sublobar Resections in the Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

Lobectomy is the standard treatment in the early stages of non-small cell lung cancer. Today, however, it is questioned whetherlobectomy should be performed in all early diagnosed patients. Sublobar resection remains a treatment option in elderly patientswith low cardiopulmonary reserve who cannot tolerate sublobar resection lobectomy. In small tumors measuring 2 cm in diameter,sublobar resections can provide local recurrence rates and long survival rates equivalent to lobectomy when performed withthe appropriate techniques in eligible patients. The addition of brachytherapy can further improve the results.