Sublobar resection versus lobectomy for stage IA non-small-cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Surgical resection is the first-line treatment for early-stage lung cancer, with lobectomy being the standard choice since the 1960s. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown controversies about whether sublobar resection or lobectomy is the optimal surgical approach today. In this sense, this meta-analysis aims to compare these techniques. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing sublobar resection with lobectomy for stage IA non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and reporting any of the following outcomes: (1) Overall survival (OS); (2) disease-free survival (DFS); and (3) total disease recurrences. Sublobar resection encompassed wedge resection and segmentectomy techniques. A total of 1975 patients from four studies were included, of whom 978 (49.5%) underwent sublobar resection and 973 (49.3%) were male. All tumors were smaller than 2 cm. Follow-up ranged from 5 to 7.3 years. Mean age was 62.8 ± 37.0 years, and 1353 (68.5%) patients had a known smoking history. OS (HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.60-1.05; p = 0.11) and DFS (HR 1.02; 95% CI 0.86-1.22; p = 0.80) did not significantly differ between the sublobar resection and lobectomy groups. Similarly, no significant statistical difference was observed in total disease recurrences (RR 1.17; 95% CI 0.93-1.46; p = 0.17). Subgroup and isolated sublobar resection techniques analyses were not possible due to the lack of data. Sublobar resection and lobectomy have similar OS, DFS, and disease recurrence rates for stage IA NSCLC. These findings underline the need for new RCTs investigating these outcomes in specific patient subgroups and isolated sublobar resection techniques.

Routine follow-up after surgical treatment of lung cancer: is chest CT useful?

OBJECTIVE: To report the experience of a routine follow-up program based on medical visits and chest CT. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving patients followed after complete surgical resection of non-small cell lung cancer between April of 2007 and December of 2015. The follow-up program consisted of clinical examination and chest CT. Each follow-up visit was classified as a routine or non-routine consultation, and patients were considered symptomatic or asymptomatic. The outcomes of the follow-up program were no evidence of cancer, recurrence, or second primary lung cancer. RESULTS: The sample comprised 148 patients. The median time of follow-up was 40.1 months, and 74.3% of the patients underwent fewer chest CTs than those recommended in our follow-up program. Recurrence and second primary lung cancer were found in 17.6% and 11.5% of the patients, respectively. Recurrence was diagnosed in a routine medical consultation in 69.2% of the cases, 57.7% of the patients being asymptomatic. Second primary lung cancer was diagnosed in a routine medical appointment in 94.1% of the cases, 88.2% of the patients being asymptomatic. Of the 53 patients who presented with abnormalities on chest CT, 41 (77.3%) were diagnosed with cancer. CONCLUSION: Most of the cases of recurrence, especially those of second primary lung cancer, were confirmed by chest CT in asymptomatic patients, indicating the importance of a strict follow-up program that includes chest CTs after surgical resection of lung cancer.

Th17/Treg-Related Intracellular Signaling in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Comparison between Local and Systemic Responses.

Th17/Treg imbalance plays a pivotal role in COPD development and progression. We aimed to assess Th17/Treg-related intracellular signaling at different COPD stages in local and systemic responses. Lung tissue and/or peripheral blood samples were collected and divided into non-obstructed (NOS), COPD stages I and II, and COPD stages III and IV groups. Gene expression of STAT3 and -5, RORγt, Foxp3, interleukin (IL)-6, -17, -10, and TGF-ß was assessed by RT-qPCR. IL-6, -17, -10, and TGF-ß levels were determined by ELISA. We observed increased STAT3, RORγt, Foxp3, IL-6, and TGF-ß gene expression and IL-6 levels in the lungs of COPD I and II patients compared to those of NOS patients. Regarding the systemic response, we observed increased STAT3, RORγt, IL-6, and TGF-ß gene expression in the COPD III and IV group and increased IL-6 levels in the COPD I and II group. STAT5 was increased in COPD III and IV patients, although there was a decrease in Foxp3 expression and IL-10 levels in the COPD I and II and COPD III and IV groups, respectively. We demonstrated that an increase in Th17 intracellular signaling in the lungs precedes this increase in the systemic response, whereas Treg intracellular signaling varies between the compartments analyzed in different COPD stages.

Informed consent and a risk-based approach to oncologic surgery in a cancer center during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients configure a risk group for complications or death by COVID-19. For many of them, postponing or replacing their surgical treatments is not recommended. During this pandemic, surgeons must discuss the risks and benefits of treatment, and patients should sign a specific comprehensive Informed consent (IC). OBJECTIVES: To report an IC and an algorithm developed for oncologic surgery during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: We developed an IC and a process flowchart containing a preoperative symptoms questionnaire and a PCR SARS-CoV-2 test and described all perioperative steps of this program. RESULTS: Patients with negative questionnaires and tests go to surgery, those with positive ones must wait 21 days and undergo a second test before surgery is scheduled. The IC focused both on risks and benefits inherent each surgery and on the risks of perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infections or related complications. Also, the IC discusses the possibility of sudden replacement of medical staff member(s) due to the pandemic; the possibility of unexpected complications demanding emergency procedures that cannot be specifically discussed in advance is addressed. CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic, specific tools must be developed to ensure safe experiences for surgical patients and prevent them from having misunderstandings concerning their care.

Early postoperative outcomes among patients with delayed surgeries after preoperative positive test for SARS-CoV-2: A case-control study from a single institution.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on surgical complications for patients that have delayed surgery after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We aimed to analyze the surgical outcomes of patients submitted to surgery after recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: Asymptomatic patients that had surgery delayed after preoperative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 were matched in a 1:2 ratio for age, type of surgery and American Society of Anesthesiologists to patients with negative RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: About 1253 patients underwent surgical procedures and were subjected to screening for SARS-CoV-2. Forty-nine cases with a delayed surgery were included in the coronavirus disease (COVID) recovery (COVID-rec) group and were matched to 98 patients included in the COVID negative (COVID-neg) group. Overall, 22 (15%) patients had 30-days postoperative complications, but there was no statistically difference between groups -16.3% for COVID-rec and 14.3% for COVID-neg, respectively (odds ratio [OR] 1.17:95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45-3.0; p = .74). Moreover, we did not find difference regarding grades more than or equal to 3 complication rates - 8.2% for COVID-rec and 6.1% for COVID-neg (OR 1.36:95%CI 0.36-5.0; p = .64). There were no pulmonary complications or SARS-CoV-2 related infection and no deaths within the 30-days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that patients with delayed elective surgeries due to asymptomatic preoperative positive SARS-CoV-2 test are not at higher risk of postoperative complications.

Routine follow-up after surgical treatment of lung cancer: is chest CT useful? / Acompanhamento de rotina após tratamento cirúrgico de câncer de pulmão: a TC de tórax é útil?

ABSTRACT Objective: To report the experience of a routine follow-up program based on medical visits and chest CT. Methods: This was a retrospective study involving patients followed after complete surgical resection of non-small cell lung cancer between April of 2007 and December of 2015. The follow-up program consisted of clinical examination and chest CT. Each follow-up visit was classified as a routine or non-routine consultation, and patients were considered symptomatic or asymptomatic. The outcomes of the follow-up program were no evidence of cancer, recurrence, or second primary lung cancer. Results: The sample comprised 148 patients. The median time of follow-up was 40.1 months, and 74.3% of the patients underwent fewer chest CTs than those recommended in our follow-up program. Recurrence and second primary lung cancer were found in 17.6% and 11.5% of the patients, respectively. Recurrence was diagnosed in a routine medical consultation in 69.2% of the cases, 57.7% of the patients being asymptomatic. Second primary lung cancer was diagnosed in a routine medical appointment in 94.1% of the cases, 88.2% of the patients being asymptomatic. Of the 53 patients who presented with abnormalities on chest CT, 41 (77.3%) were diagnosed with cancer. Conclusion: Most of the cases of recurrence, especially those of second primary lung cancer, were confirmed by chest CT in asymptomatic patients, indicating the importance of a strict follow-up program that includes chest CTs after surgical resection of lung cancer.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de um programa de acompanhamento de rotina baseado em consultas médicas e TC de tórax. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo envolvendo pacientes acompanhados após ressecção cirúrgica completa de câncer de pulmão de células não pequenas entre abril de 2007 e dezembro de 2015. O programa de acompanhamento consistiu em exame clínico e TC de tórax. Cada visita de acompanhamento foi classificada como uma consulta de rotina ou fora da rotina, e os pacientes foram considerados sintomáticos ou assintomáticos. Os desfechos do programa de acompanhamento foram ausência de evidência de câncer, recidiva ou segundo câncer de pulmão primário. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 148 pacientes. A mediana do tempo de acompanhamento foi de 40,1 meses, e 74,3% dos pacientes realizaram menos TCs do que as recomendadas em nosso programa de acompanhamento. Recidiva e segundo câncer de pulmão primário foram encontrados em 17,6% e 11,5% dos pacientes, respectivamente. A recidiva foi diagnosticada em uma consulta médica de rotina em 69,2% dos casos, sendo 57,7% dos pacientes assintomáticos. O segundo câncer de pulmão primário foi diagnosticado em consulta médica de rotina em 94,1% dos casos, sendo 88,2% dos pacientes assintomáticos. Dos 53 pacientes que apresentaram anormalidades na TC de tórax, 41 (77,3%) foram diagnosticados com câncer. Conclusões: A maioria dos casos de recidiva, principalmente os de segundo câncer de pulmão primário, foi confirmada por TC de tórax em pacientes assintomáticos, indicando a importância de um programa de acompanhamento rigoroso que inclua TC de tórax após ressecção cirúrgica de câncer de pulmão.

Integrative transcriptome analysis identifies deregulated microRNA-transcription factor networks in lung adenocarcinoma.

Herein, we aimed at identifying global transcriptome microRNA (miRNA) changes and miRNA target genes in lung adenocarcinoma. Samples were selected as training (N = 24) and independent validation (N = 34) sets. Tissues were microdissected to obtain >90% tumor or normal lung cells, subjected to miRNA transcriptome sequencing and TaqMan quantitative PCR validation. We further integrated our data with published miRNA and mRNA expression datasets across 1,491 lung adenocarcinoma and 455 normal lung samples. We identified known and novel, significantly over- and under-expressed (p ≤ 0.01 and FDR≤0.1) miRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma compared to normal lung tissue: let-7a, miR-10a, miR-15b, miR-23b, miR-26a, miR-26b, miR-29a, miR-30e, miR-99a, miR-146b, miR-181b, miR-181c, miR-421, miR-181a, miR-574 and miR-1247. Validated miRNAs included let-7a-2, let-7a-3, miR-15b, miR-21, miR-155 and miR-200b; higher levels of miR-21 expression were associated with lower patient survival (p = 0.042). We identified a regulatory network including miR-15b and miR-155, and transcription factors with prognostic value in lung cancer. Our findings may contribute to the development of treatment strategies in lung adenocarcinoma.

Computed tomographically guided injection of cyanoacrylate in association with preoperative radioguided occult lesion localization of ground-glass opacities.

Intraoperative localization of a ground-glass opacity (GGO) is difficult because it is not easy to palpate and may be invisible at radioscopy. Therefore various techniques have been developed to improve intraoperative localization of these lesions, allowing adequate surgical resection. We report 2 cases of preoperative localization of GGOs through computed tomographically guided injection of cyanoacrylate in association with radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL).

Functional imaging with diffusion-weighted MRI for lung biopsy planning: initial experience.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in planning transthoracic CT-guided biopsies of lung lesions. METHODS: Thirteen patients with lung lesions suspicious for malignancy underwent CT-guided biopsy. Chest DW-MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) calculation were performed to aid biopsy planning with fused images. MRI was indicated due to large heterogeneous masses, association with lung atelectasis/consolidation/necrosis, and/or divergent results of other biopsy type and histopathology versus clinical/radiological suspicion. Eight patients underwent PET/CT to identify appropriate areas for biopsy. RESULTS: Mean patient (n = 9 males) age was 59 (range, 30 to 78) years. Based on DW-MRI results, biopsies targeted the most suspicious areas within lesions. All biopsied areas showed higher DW signal intensity and lower ADCs (mean, 0.79 (range, 0.54 to 1.2) × 10(-3) mm2/s), suggesting high cellularity. In patients who underwent PET/CT, areas with higher 18-fluorodeoxyglucose concentrations (standard uptake value mean, 7.7 (range, 3.6 to 13.7)) corresponded to areas of higher DW signal intensity and lower ADCs. All biopsies yielded adequate material for histopathological diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Functional imaging is useful for lung biopsy planning. DW-MRI and PET/CT increase overall performance and enable the collection of adequate material for specific diagnosis.

Imaging acute complications in cancer patients: what should be evaluated in the emergency setting?

Increased incidence world-wide of cancer and increased survival has also resulted in physicians seeing more complications in patients with cancer. In many cases, complications are the first manifestations of the disease. They may be insidious and develop over a period of months, or acute and manifest within minutes to days. Imaging examinations play an essential role in evaluating cancer and its complications. Plain radiography and ultrasonography (US) are generally performed initially in an urgent situation due to their wide availability, low cost, and minimal or no radiation exposure. However, depending on a patient's symptoms, evaluation with cross-sectional imaging methods such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often necessary. In this review article, we discuss some of the most important acute noninfectious oncological complications for which imaging methods play an essential role in diagnosis.

Thymoma originating in a giant thymolipoma: a rare intrathoracic lesion.

Thymolipoma is a rare, slow-growing, benign tumor that arises from the anterior mediastinum and corresponds to 2% to 9% of all thymic neoplasms. We present the case of a 49-year-old man who had a large heterogeneous mass with areas of soft tissue and fat tissue located on the anterior mediastinum and right hemithorax. After resection, histologic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a giant thymolipoma containing solid components that corresponded to thymomas B1, B2, and B3. We discuss the occurrence of an atypical variant of thymolipoma containing three types of thymomas inside.

Primary monophasic synovial sarcoma of the pleura: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by complete resection.

We describe a rare case of primary pleural synovial sarcoma in a 27-year-old man with a 4-month history of dry cough and left-sided chest pain. A CT scan showed a large cystic mass in the left pleural cavity. The patient underwent two video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsies and the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma of the pleura was established. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which resulted in a partial response, the tumor was completely resected with extrapleural pneumonectomy. Pathological findings showed less than 5% of viable cancer and free surgical margins. The patient is clinically well 24 months after surgery, with no evidence of recurrent disease.

Predictive success factors for CT-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of pulmonary lesions.

OBJECTIVE: Computed tomography-guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy of lung lesions is a simple, safe and reproducible procedure. Currently, it is widely used to diagnose lung lesions. However, different factors can influence the success rates of this procedure. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of radiological and procedural characteristics in predicting the success rates of computed tomography-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of lung lesions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was developed and involved 340 patients who were submitted to a consecutive series of 362 computed tomography-guided fine needle aspiration biopsies of lung lesions, between July 1996 and June 2004, using 22-gauge needles (Chiba). Variables such as the radiological characteristics of the lesions, secondary pulmonary radiological findings, and procedural techniques were studied. RESULTS: For this study, 304 (84%) fine needle aspiration biopsies of lung lesions provided sufficient material for cytological evaluation. The variables that predicted sufficient material for cytological evaluation were lesions larger than 40 mm (p=0.02), lesions on the superior lung lobes (p=0.02), and suspicion of primary lung malignancy (p=0.03). From the multivariate analysis, the only predictive variable for success of the biopsies was localization on the superior lobes (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography-guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy of lung lesions showed greater rates of success in biopsies performed in patients with suspicion of primary lung malignancy, with lesions located in the superior lobes, and that have diameters equal to and larger than 40 mm.

Surgical resection of lung metastases: results from 529 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine clinical, pathological, and treatment-relevant variables associated with long-term (90-month) overall survival in patients with lung metastases undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who were admitted with lung metastases, and who underwent thoracotomy for resection, after treatment of a primary tumor. Data were collected regarding demographics, tumor features, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS: Patients (n = 529) were submitted to a total of 776 thoracotomies. Median follow-up time across all patients was 21.6 months (range: 0-192 months). The postoperative complication rate was 9.3%, and the 30-day mortality rate was 0.2%. The ninety-month overall survival rate for all patients was 30.4%. Multivariate analysis identified the number of pulmonary nodules detected on preoperative CT-scan, the number of malignant nodules resected, and complete resection as the independent prognostic factors for overall survival. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that lung metastasectomy is a safe and potentially curative procedure for patients with treated primary tumors. A select group of patients can achieve long-term survival after resection.

Surgical resection of lung metastases: results from 529 patients

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine clinical, pathological, and treatment-relevant variables associated with long-term (90-month) overall survival in patients with lung metastases undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who were admitted with lung metastases, and who underwent thoracotomy for resection, after treatment of a primary tumor. Data were collected regarding demographics, tumor features, treatment, and outcome.RESULTS: Patients (n = 529) were submitted to a total of 776 thoracotomies. Median follow-up time across all patients was 21.6 months (range: 0-192 months). The postoperative complication rate was 9.3%, and the 30-day mortality rate was 0.2%. The ninety-month overall survival rate for all patients was 30.4%. Multivariate analysis identified the number of pulmonary nodules detected on preoperative CT-scan, the number of malignant nodules resected, and complete resection as the independent prognostic factors for overall survival.CONCLUSION: These results confirm that lung metastasectomy is a safe and potentially curative procedure for patients with treated primary tumors. A select group of patients can achieve long-term survival after resection.

Predictive success factors for ct-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of pulmonary lesions

OBJECTIVE: Computed tomography-guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy of lung lesions is a simple, safe and reproducible procedure. Currently, it is widely used to diagnose lung lesions. However, different factors can influence the success rates of this procedure. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of radiological and procedural characteristics in predicting the success rates of computed tomography-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of lung lesions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was developed and involved 340 patients who were submitted to a consecutive series of 362 computed tomography-guided fine needle aspiration biopsies of lung lesions, between July 1996 and June 2004, using 22-gauge needles (Chiba). Variables such as the radiological characteristics of the lesions, secondary pulmonary radiological findings, and procedural techniques were studied. RESULTS: For this study, 304 (84 percent) fine needle aspiration biopsies of lung lesions provided sufficient material for cytological evaluation. The variables that predicted sufficient material for cytological evaluation were lesions larger than 40 mm (p=0.02), lesions on the superior lung lobes (p=0.02), and suspicion of primary lung malignancy (p=0.03). From the multivariate analysis, the only predictive variable for success of the biopsies was localization on the superior lobes (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography-guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy of lung lesions showed greater rates of success in biopsies performed in patients with suspicion of primary lung malignancy, with lesions located in the superior lobes, and that have diameters equal to and larger than 40 mm.

When to remove a chest tube? A randomized study with subsequent prospective consecutive validation.

BACKGROUND: Operative procedures on the pleural space are usually managed by chest tube drainage. Timing for removing the tube is empirically established, with wide variation among surgeons. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of establishing a volume of 200 mL/d of uninfected drainage as a threshold for removal of chest tube, as compared with more frequently used volumes of 100 and 150 mL/d. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomized study was performed in a single institution. Patients (n = 139) submitting to pleural drainage after surgical procedures were randomized to one of three groups, defined by the planned timing of chest tube removal (depending on the threshold volume per day of pleural fluid drained): G-100 (< or = 100 mL/d, n = 44); G-150 (< or =150 mL/d, n = 58); and G-200 (< or = 200 mL/d, n = 37). Subsequently, another 91 consecutive patients had chest tubes removed when drainage was less than 200 mL/d (G-val, prospective validation group). All patients had similar discharge and 60-day followup. Drainage time, hospital stay, and reaccumulation rate were registered. RESULTS: Drainage time (median days: 3.5 for G-100, 3 for G-150, 3 for G-200, 3 for G-val) and hospital stay (median days: 4 for G-100, 3 for G-150, 3 for G-200, 3 for G-val) were not statistically different among groups. Radiologic reaccumulation rates were 9.1% for G-100, 13.1% for G-150, 5.4% for G-200, and 10.9% for G-val, and the thoracenteses rates were 2.3%, 0.8%, 2.7%, and 3.3%, respectively, with no major differences among groups (G-100 versus G-150 versus G-200; G-200 versus G-val). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the threshold of daily drainage to 200 mL before removing the chest tube did not markedly affect drainage, hospitalization time, or overall costs, nor did it increase the likelihood of major pleural fluid reaccumulation. This volume (200 mL/d) could be recommended for chest tube withdrawal decision for uninfected pleural fluid with no evidence of air leaks.

Surgical resection of unilateral lung metastases: is bilateral thoracotomy necessary?

UNLABELLED: Surgical resection of lung metastases is routine procedure for selected patients with pulmonary nodules and solid tumors. In some cases, patients present with unilateral pulmonary metastases amenable to surgical resection. Surgeons are still divided between unilateral approach directed to the radiologically detected nodules, or bilateral exploratory thoracotomy. This study evaluates the need for bilateral thoracotomy in patients diagnosed with unilateral lung metastases. A retrospective evaluation was made of a prospective database from a single institution (1990-1997) of all consecutive patients (n = 267) diagnosed on admission with unilateral (n = 179) or bilateral (n= 88) lung nodules. Ipsilateral thoracotomy was performed on all patients with unilateral disease. Bilateral thoracotomy was performed on all patients with bilateral lung metastases. HISTOLOGY: adenocarcinoma (25%), osteosarcoma (23%), squamous cell carcinoma (18%), soft-tissue sarcoma (18%), and other (16%). Median follow-up was 17 months. Contralateral disease-free survival and overall survival were determined. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine prognostic factors for overall and contralateral disease-free survival. The two groups of patients with confirmed bilateral metastases (synchronous or metachronous) were compared. Actuarial overall 5-year survival was 34.9%. Contralateral recurrence-free 6-month, 12-month, and 5-year survival were 95%, 89%, and 78%, respectively. Patients who experienced recurrence in the contralateral lung within 3, 6, or 12 months had an overall 5-year survival rate of 24%, 30%, and 37%, respectively. When patients with recurrence in the contralateral lung were compared to patients with bilateral metastases on admission, there was no significant difference in overall survival. Only histology and the number of pathologically proven metastases significantly (p < 0.05) predicted recurrence in the contralateral lung. Bilateral exploration of unilateral lung metastases is not warranted in all cases. Most patients will have only unilateral disease, and delaying contralateral thoracotomy until disease is detected radiologically does not appear to affect outcome.

Chemotherapy versus best supportive care in stage IV non-small cell lung cancer, non metastatic to the brain

Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer is a fatal disease, with a median survival of 14 months. Systemic chemotherapy is the most common approach. However the impact in overall survival and quality of life still a controversy. OBJECTIVES: To determine differences in overall survival and quality of life among patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer non-metastatic to the brain treated with best supportive care versus systemic chemotherapy. PATIENTS: From February 1990 through December 1995, 78 eligible patients were admitted with the diagnosis of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer . Patients were divided in 2 groups: Group A (n=31 -- treated with best supportive care ), and Group B (n=47 -- treated with systemic chemotherapy). RESULTS: The median survival time was 23 weeks (range 5 -- 153 weeks) in Group A and 55 weeks (range 7.4 -- 213 weeks) in Group B (p=0.0018). In both groups, the incidence of admission for IV antibiotics and need of blood transfusions were similar. Patients receiving systemic chemotherapy were also stratified into those receiving mytomycin, vinblastin, and cisplatinum, n=25 and those receiving other combination regimens (platinum derivatives associated with other drugs, n=22). Patients receiving mytomycin, vinblastin, and cisplatinum, n=25 had a higher incidence of febrile neutropenia and had their cycles delayed for longer periods of time than the other group. These patients also had a shorter median survival time (51 versus 66 weeks, p=0.005). CONCLUSION: In patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer, non-metastatic to the brain, chemotherapy significantly increases survival compared with best supportive care