Accuracy and survival of repeat mediastinoscopy after induction therapy for non-small cell lung cancer in a combined series of 104 patients.

OBJECTIVE

Precise restaging of non-small cell lung cancer after induction therapy is of utmost importance. Remediastinoscopy remains a controversial procedure. In a combined, updated series of two thoracic centres, accuracy and survival of remediastinoscopy were determined.

METHODS

From November 1994 to August 2005, remediastinoscopy was performed in 104 patients (98 men, 6 women) after induction therapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Mean age was 64.3 years (range 38-85). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was given in 79 patients and chemoradiotherapy in 25. Follow-up data were completed in January 2007.

RESULTS

Remediastinoscopy was technically feasible in all patients except for one who died due to perioperative haemorrhage. Remediastinoscopy was positive in 40 patients and negative in 64; the latter group underwent thoracotomy. There were 17 false-negative remediastinoscopies. Sensitivity of remediastinoscopy was 71%, specificity 100% and accuracy 84%. Follow-up was complete for all patients. Sixty-nine died, mostly of distant metastases. Median survival time for the whole group was 18 months (95% confidence interval 11-25). Median survival time in patients with a positive remediastinoscopy was 14 months (95% confidence interval 8-20), with a negative remediastinoscopy 28 months (95% confidence interval 15-41) and with a false-negative remediastinoscopy 24 months (95% confidence interval 3-45). In univariate analysis the difference between positive and negative remediastinoscopies was highly significant (p=0.001). In a multivariate analysis including sex, age, histology, centre, and nodal status at remediastinoscopy, only nodal status was a significant independent prognostic factor (p=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Remediastinoscopy is a valuable restaging procedure after induction therapy. Persisting mediastinal nodal involvement proven at remediastinoscopy heralds a poor prognosis.