Multidisciplinary approach for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): 2023 expert consensus of the Spanish Lung Cancer Group GECP.

INTRODUCTION: Recent advances in the treatment of locally advanced NSCLC have led to changes in the standard of care for this disease. For the selection of the best approach strategy for each patient, it is necessary the homogenization of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, as well as the promotion of the evaluation of patients by a multidisciplinary oncology team. OBJECTIVE: Development of an expert consensus document with suggestions for the approach and treatment of locally advanced NSCLC leaded by Spanish Lung Cancer Group GECP. METHODS: Between March and July 2023, a panel of 28 experts was formed. Using a mixed technique (Delphi/nominal group) under the guidance of a coordinating group, consensus was reached in 4 phases: 1. Literature review and definition of discussion topics 2. First round of voting 3. Communicating the results and second round of voting 4. Definition of conclusions in nominal group meeting. Responses were consolidated using medians and interquartile ranges. The threshold for agreement was defined as 85% of the votes. RESULTS: New and controversial situations regarding the diagnosis and management of locally advanced NSCLC were analyzed and reconciled based on evidence and clinical experience. Discussion issues included: molecular diagnosis and biomarkers, radiologic and surgical diagnosis, mediastinal staging, role of the multidisciplinary thoracic committee, neoadjuvant treatment indications, evaluation of response to neoadjuvant treatment, postoperative evaluation, and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus clinical suggestions were generated on the most relevant scenarios such as diagnosis, staging and treatment of locally advanced lung cancer, which will serve to support decision-making in daily practice.

Impact of Pleural Lavage Cytology Positivity on Early Recurrence After Surgery for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of pleural lavage cytology positivity on early recurrence in patients operated on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: This is a multicentre prospective cohort study of 684 patients undergoing an anatomical lung resection for NSCLC between October 2015 and October 2017 at 12 national centres. A pleural lavage was performed before and after lung resection. The association between the different predictors of early recurrence and PLC positivity was performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. A propensity score analysis was performed by inverse probability weighting (IPSW) using average treatment effect (ATE) estimation to analyse the impact of PLC positivity on early recurrence. RESULTS: Overall PLC positivity was observed in 15 patients (2.2%). After two years, 193 patients (28.2%) relapsed, 182 (27.2%) with a negative PLC and 11 (73.3%) with a positive PLC (p<0.001). Factors associated to early recurrence were adenocarcinoma histology (OR=1.59, 95%CI 1.06-2.38, p=0.025), visceral pleural invasion (OR=1.59, 95%CI 1.04-2.4, p=0.03), lymph node involvement (OR=1.84, 95%CI 1.14-2.96, p=0.013), advanced pathological stage (OR=2.12, 95%CI 1.27-3.54, p=0.004) and PLC positivity (OR=4.14, 95%CI 1.25-16.36, p=0.028). After IPSW, PLC positivity was associated with an increased risk of early recurrence (OR=3.46, 95%CI 2.25-5.36, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Positive pleural lavage cytology was found to be the strongest predictor of early recurrence.

[Surgical management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. A national survey of the Emerging Thoracic Surgery Group of the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR)]. / Manejo quirúrgico del neumotórax espontáneo primario. Encuesta nacional del Grupo Emergente de Cirugía Torácica de la Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica (SEPAR).

Introduction: In February 2022, the Emerging Thoracic Surgery Group of the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery initiated a multicenter study on the surgical management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). As a preliminary step, this survey was developed with the aim of finding out the current situation in our country to specify and direct this project. Method: A descriptive study was carried out based on the results of this survey launched through the Google Docs® platform. The survey was sent to all active national thoracic surgeons, a total of 319. It consisted of 20 questions including demographic, surgical and follow-up data. Results: We obtained 124 responses (39% of all specialists and doctors in training in the national territory). The most consistent indications were: homolateral recurrence for 124 (100%), lack of resolution of the episode for 120 (96.7%), risk professions for 104 (84%) and bilateral pneumothorax for 93 (75%). The approach of choice for 100% of respondents was videothoracoscopy. Of these, 96 contemplated pulmonary resection of obvious lesions (77%). Regarding the pleurodesis technique, pleural abrasion was the technique most used by 70 respondents (56.7%) while 49 (40%) performed chemical pleurodesis with talc either alone or in combination with mechanical pleurodesis. Conclusions: While there is some consistency in some aspects of surgical management of PSP, this survey makes evident the variability in pleurodesis techniques applied among surgeons in our country.

Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery (SECT) consensus document. Long-term follow-up for operated patients with lung cancer.

The most effective treatment for lung cancer is complete lung resection, although recurrences reach up to 10% and the appearance of second neoplasms, up to 6%. Therefore, the follow-up of these patients will be essential for the early detection and treatment of these events; however there is no definition of the form, time and cadence of these follow-ups. In this consensus document, we try to define them based on the available scientific evidence. A critical review of the literature is carried out (meta-analysis, systematic reviews, reviews, consensus recommendations of scientific societies, randomized controlled studies, non-randomized controlled studies, observational studies and case series studies) and communications to the main congresses on oncology and thoracic surgery in Spanish, English and French. The evidences found are classified following the GRADE system. It is defined according to the existing evidence that the patient resected for lung cancer should be followed up, as well as that this follow-up should be close during the first years and with CT (not being necessary to follow up with PET-CT, biomarkers or bronchoscopy). Cessation of smoking is also recommended in this follow-up.

Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery for the management of malignant pleural effusion.

This article summarizes the clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) sponsored by the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery (SECT). Ten clinical controversies were elaborated under the methodology of PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) questions and the quality of the evidence and grading of the strength of the recommendations was based on the GRADE system. Immunocytochemical and molecular analyses of pleural fluid may avoid further invasive diagnostic procedures. Currently, the definitive control of MPE can be achieved either by pleurodesis (talc poudrage or slurry) or the insertion of a indwelling pleural catheter (IPC). It is likely that the combination of both techniques (i.e., thoracoscopy with talc poudrage and insertion of a IPC, or instillation of talc slurry through a IPC) will have a predominant role in the future therapeutic management.

Recomendaciones de la sociedad Española de cirugía torácica para el manejo del derrame pleural maligno [Pré-print] / Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery for the management of malignant pleural effusion

This article summarizes the clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) sponsored by the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery (SECT). Ten clinical controversies were elaborated under the methodology of PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) questions and the quality of the evidence and grading of the strength of the recommendations was based on the GRADE system. Immunocytochemical and molecular analyses of pleural fluid may avoid further invasive diagnostic procedures. Currently, the definitive control of MPE can be achieved either by pleurodesis (talc poudrage or slurry) or the insertion of a tunneled pleural catheter (TPC). It is likely that the combination of both techniques (i.e., thoracoscopy with talc poudrage and insertion of a TPC, or instillation of talc slurry through a TPC) will have a predominant role in the future therapeutic management.

Este artículo resume la guía clínica de diagnóstico y tratamiento del derrame pleural maligno (DPM) auspiciada por la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Torácica (SECT). Se elaboraron 10 controversias clínicas bajo la metodología de preguntas PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) y la calidad de la evidencia y graduación de la fuerza de las recomendaciones se basó en el sistema Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE). El análisis inmunocitoquímico y molecular del líquido pleural puede evitar procedimientos invasivos ulteriores con finalidad diagnóstica. Actualmente, el control definitivo del DPM se puede realizar indistintamente a través de una pleurodesis (talco poudrage o slurry) o de la inserción de un catéter pleural tunelizado (CPT). Es probable que la combinación de ambas técnicas (p.ej. toracoscopia con talco poudrage e inserción de un CPT, o instilación de talco slurry a través de un CPT) ocupe un lugar predominante en el manejo terapéutico futuro.

Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery (SECT) consensus document. Long-term follow-up for operated patients with lung cancer. / Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Torácica (SECT). Seguimiento a largo plazo de los pacientes operados de cáncer de pulmón.

The most effective treatment for lung cancer is complete lung resection, although recurrences reach up to 10% and the appearance of second neoplasms, up to 6%. Therefore, the follow-up of these patients will be essential for the early detection and treatment of these events; however, there is no definition of the form, time and cadence of these follow-ups. In this consensus document, we try to define them based on the available scientific evidence. A critical review of the literature is carried out (meta-analysis, systematic reviews, reviews, consensus recommendations of scientific societies, randomized controlled studies, non-randomized controlled studies, observational studies and case series studies) and communications to the main congresses on oncology and thoracic surgery in Spanish, English and French. The evidences found are classified following the GRADE system. It is defined according to the existing evidence that the patient resected for lung cancer should be followed up, as well as that this follow-up should be close during the first years and with CT (not being necessary to follow up with PET-CT, biomarkers or bronchoscopy). Cessation of smoking is also recommended in this follow-up.

Outcomes of surgical resection after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in locally advanced stage IIIA non-small-cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: This analysis aimed to evaluate perioperative outcomes of surgical resection following neoadjuvant treatment with chemotherapy plus nivolumab in resectable stage IIIA non-small-cell lung cancer. METHODS: Eligible patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (paclitaxel + carboplatin) plus nivolumab for 3 cycles. Reassessment of the tumour was carried out after treatment and patients with at least stable disease as best response underwent pulmonary resection. After surgery, patients received adjuvant treatment with nivolumab for 1 year. Surgical data were collected from the NADIM database and patient charts were reviewed for additional surgical details. RESULTS: Among 46 patients who received neoadjuvant treatment, 41 (89.1%) underwent surgery. Two patients rejected surgery and 3 did not fulfil resectability criteria. There were 35 lobectomies (85.3%), 3 of which were sleeve lobectomies (9.4%), 3 bilobectomies (7.3%) and 3 pneumonectomies (7.3%). Video-assisted thoracoscopy was the initial approach in 51.2% of cases, with a conversion rate of 19% (n = 4). There was no operative mortality at either 30 or 90 days. The most common complications were prolonged air leak (n = 8), pneumonia (n = 5) and arrhythmia (n = 4). Complete resection (R0) was achieved in all patients who underwent surgery, downstaging was observed in 37 patients (90.2%) and major pathological response in 34 patients (82.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection following induction therapy with chemotherapy plus nivolumab appears to be safe and offers appropriate oncological outcomes. Perioperative morbidity and mortality rates in our study were no higher than previously reported in this setting. A minimally invasive approach is, therefore, feasible.

Analysis of Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A and Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1alpha in Patients Operated on Stage I Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

Objectives. Recent studies show that expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) favours expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), and these biomarkers are linked to cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis in different cancers. We analyze expression of HIF-1α and VEGF-A to clinicopathologic features and survival of patients operated on stage I non-small-cell lung cancer. Methodology. Prospective study of 52 patients operated on with stage I. Expression of VEGF-A and HIF-1α was performed through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results. Mean age was 64.7 and 86.5% of patients were male. Stage IA represented 23.1% and stage IB 76.9%. Histology classification was 42.3% adenocarcinoma, 34.6% squamous cell carcinoma, and 23.1% others. Median survival was 81.0 months and 5-year survival 67.2%. There was correlation between HIF-1α and VEGF-A (P = 0.016). Patients with overexpression of HIF-1α had a tendency to better survival with marginal statistical significance (P = 0.062). Patients with overexpression of VEGF-A had worse survival, but not statistically significant (P = 0.133). Conclusion. The present study revealed that VEGF-A showed correlation with HIF-1α. HIF-1α had a tendency to protective effect with a P value close to statistical significance. VEGF-A showed a contrary effect but without statistical significance.

Lung cancer staging: the value of PET depends on the clinical setting.

BACKGROUND: Although positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is widely recommended in the evaluation of patients with lung cancer, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing this have demonstrated inconsistent results. We asked whether differences in the clinical context and endpoints could explain these discrepancies. METHODS: We used realist synthesis methods to analyze how contextual differences among RCTs affected the results. We focused on RCTs to minimize confounding yet permit evaluation of differences by comparing across studies. RESULTS: This analysis suggests that the impact of PET depends on the clinical setting. PET is of greatest benefit in identifying M1 disease in patients with a high chance of such involvement and when little traditional imaging [e.g., abdominal/pelvis computed tomography (CT) and bone scan] is used. Identification of N2,3 involvement by PET prior to resection is seen primarily when there is at least a moderate probability of such and the rate of invasive staging is high. The rate of N2 disease not identified preoperatively appears to increase if PET is used to avoid invasive mediastinal staging in clinical settings in which the risk of N2,3 involvement is moderately high. There is both a potential benefit in avoiding stage-inappropriate resection as well as a risk of missed (stage-appropriate) resection if PET findings are not evaluated carefully. CONCLUSIONS: A blanket recommendation for PET may be too simplistic without considering nuances of the clinical setting.

[Surgery of lung metastases]. / Cirugía de las metástasis pulmonares.

The aim of surgical treatment of lung metastases is to eliminate all known tumoral disease. After a clinical diagnosis of lung metastases, the criteria for selecting patients who are candidates for surgical treatment, the route of access to the thoracic cavity and the technique for metastases resection are not universally defined. Moreover, half of all patients will show recurrence and the advisability of further surgery will have to be reconsidered. The present article discusses aspects related to the oncological and functional limits of surgical resection of lung metastases, preoperative workup, postoperative follow-up, and the surgical approaches and resection techniques.