Treatment of lung recurrence after radical resection of non-small cell lung cancer: a single-center retrospective analysis using body stereotactic radiotherapy vs. reoperation

Abstract Purpose After radical surgery for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, 3-10% of patients have recurrent lung lesions. For these patients, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and recurrence surgery are optional treatments. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of SBRT and surgery in treating lung recurrence after radical NSCLC. Methods A retrospective analysis of NSCLC patients who had undergone radical surgery at the Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital) from November 2012 to December 2018 and had received SBRT or reoperation because of postoperative lung recurrence was performed. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the survival rates, and the log-rank test was used to compare groups. Cox regression was used for univariate and multivariate analysis. Results Among 62 eligible patients, 33 received SBRT and 29 received reoperation. The median follow-up times of the two patient groups were 45.8 months and 37.4 months. The 3-year locoregional control rate (LRCR) of SBRT and surgical patients was 79.8% vs. 90.2% (P=0.936); progression-free survival (PFS) was 58.5% vs. 42.3% (P=0.072); and overall survival (OS) was 78.0% vs. 85.5% (P=0.714). Multivariate analysis suggested that the treatment method and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) were independent prognostic factors for PFS (P=0.033 and P=0.001, respectively). Conclusion For patients with lung recurrence after radical NSCLC, no significant difference exists in the efficacy of SBRT and surgery.