Oncologic outcomes of segmentectomy for stage IA radiological solid-predominant lung cancer >2 cm in maximum tumour size.

Objectives: We aimed to compare the outcomes of segmentectomy with those of lobectomy in clinical-stage IA radiological solid-predominant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) >2 cm in maximum tumour size.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed for radiological solid-predominant NSCLC >2-3 cm in maximum tumour size with a ground-glass opacity component on thin-section computed tomography. Multivariable or propensity score-matched analyses were performed to control for confounders for survival. Overall survival (OS) was analysed using a Kaplan-Meier estimation.

Results: Of the 215 eligible cases, segmentectomy and lobectomy were performed in 46 and 169 patients. Multivariable analysis revealed that standardized uptake value (hazard ratio: 1.148, 95% confidence interval: 1.032-1.276, P = 0.011) was an independently significant prognosticators of OS, while the operative mode was not associated (hazard ratio: 0.635, 95% confidence interval: 0.132-3.049, P = 0.570). The 5 y-OS was excellent and did not differ significantly between segmentectomy and lobectomy (95.5% vs 90.2%; P = 0.697), which was also shown in the propensity score analysis (96.8% vs 94.0%; P = 0.406), with a median follow-up time of 5.2 years. Locoregional recurrence was found in 2 (4.3%) segmentectomy and 13 (7.7%) lobectomy (P = 0.443). In the subgroup analysis stratified by solid component size, the 5 y-OS was similar between segmentectomy and lobectomy in the c-T1b and c-T1c groups, respectively [c-T1b (n = 163): 94.1% vs 91.8%; P = 0.887 and c-T1c (n = 52): 100% vs 84.9%; P = 0.197].

Conclusions: Segmentectomy showed similar oncological results compared to lobectomy in solid-predominant NSCLC with a ground-glass opacity component >2-3 cm in maximum tumour size. More prospective randomized trials are needed to adequately expand the indication of anatomic segmentectomy for early-stage NSCLC.