Segmentectomy Versus Lobectomy in Patients with Good Pulmonary Function: Oncologic Outcomes

Patients with early-stage, small, peripheral lung cancers are a highly selected population that is rapidly growing in the era of lung cancer screening as incidental lung nodules are increasingly detected by CT scans. Based on the results of the multi-institutional, randomized clinical trials JCOG 0802 and CALGB 140503, segmentectomy and other sublobar resection techniques are appropriate for optimal surgical therapy in the absence of nodal involvement based on local recurrence rates and long-term survival. There are additional potential benefits to sublobar resection related to post-operative pulmonary function and ability for the patient to undergo another definitive, curative-intent treatment in the setting of recurrence or second primary lung cancers.