Commentary: T3N0M0 NSCLC Subtypes - A Signal for Disparate Outcomes after Surgery

The 8th edition of the TNM staging system for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was a leap forward from prior versions in stratifying the T-stage of small tumors.1 However, certain categories still remain more ambiguous than desired. The T3N0M0 stage (IIb) has been encompassing a heterogeneous group of locally advanced tumors with a variety of T3 defining features - namely, larger size (5-7 cm), invasion into some structures, and separate and/or ”satellite” nodules in the same lobe. Tumors with any of the T3 descriptors may be still amenable for a complete resection, which is the common ground for this stage, but the different features may also confer a disparate biologic behavior that could define their prognosis after surgery.
Source: Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Tags: THORACIC – Commentary Source Type: research