Detection of Recurrence Patterns After Wedge Resection for Early Stage Lung Cancer: Rationale for Radiologic Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Wedge resection for selected patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer is considered to be a valid treatment option. The aim of this study was to evaluate the recurrence patterns after wedge resection, to analyze the survival of patients under routine follow-up, and to recommend a follow-up regimen.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was done of 446 consecutive patients between May 2000 and December 2012 who underwent a wedge resection for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer. All patients were followed up with a computed tomography scan with or without contrast. The recurrence was recorded as local (involving the same lobe of wedge resection), regional (involving mediastinal or hilar lymph nodes or a different lobe), or distant (including distant metastasis and pleural disease).

RESULTS: Median follow-up for survivors (n = 283) was 44.6 months. In all, 163 patients died; median overall survival was 82.6 months. Thirty-six patients were diagnosed with new primary non-small cell lung cancer, and 152 with recurrence (79 local, 45 regional, and 28 distant). There was no difference in the incidence of recurrence detection detected by computed tomography scans with versus without contrast (p = 0.18). The cumulative incidence of local recurrences at 1, 2, and 3 years was higher than the cumulative incidence for local, regional, and distant recurrences: 5.2%, 11.1%, and 14.9% versus 3.7%, 6.6%, and 9.5% versus 2.3%, 4.7%, and 6.4%, respectively. Primary tumor diameter was associated with local recurrence in univariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: Wedge resection for early stage non-small cell lung cancer is associated with a significant risk for local and regional recurrence. Long-term follow-up using noncontrast computed tomography scans at consistent intervals is appropriate to monitor for these recurrences.