Real-world Decision-making Process for Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Versus Minimally Invasive Surgery in Early-stage Lung Cancer Patients.

OBJECTIVE

To generate a prediction model for the selection of treatment modality for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

BACKGROUND

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) are used in the local treatment of early-stage NSCLC. However, the selection of patients for either SBRT or MIS remains challenging due to the multitude of factors influencing the decision-making process.

METHODS

We analyzed 1291 patients with clinical stage I NSCLC treated with intended MIS or SBRT from January 2020 to July 2023. A prediction model for selection for SBRT was created based on multivariable logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis stratified the cohort into 3 treatment-related risk categories. Postprocedural outcomes, recurrence, and overall survival (OS) were investigated to assess the model's performance.

RESULTS

In total, 1116 patients underwent MIS and 175 SBRT. The prediction model included age, performance status, previous pulmonary resection, MSK-Frailty score, FEV1 and DLCO, and demonstrated an area-under-the-curve of 0.908 (95% CI: 0.876-0.938). Based on the probability scores (n=1197), patients were stratified into a low-risk (MIS, n=970 and SBRT, n=28), intermediate-risk (MIS, n=96 and SBRT, n=53), and high-risk category (MIS, n=10 and SBRT, n=40). Treatment modality was not associated with OS [HR of SBRT, 1.67 (95% CI: 0.80-3.48); P =0.20].

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical expertise can be translated into a robust predictive model, guiding the selection of stage I NSCLC patients for MIS versus SBRT and effectively categorizing them into 3 distinct risk groups. Patients in the intermediate category could benefit most from multidisciplinary evaluation.