Should Pulmonary Function Evaluation Be Repeated After Induction Therapy for Lung Cancer Prior to Resection?

Induction therapy is a crucial component of multimodal treatment for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. However, studies have shown that induction therapy is associated with a decrease in pulmonary function of up to 20%. This decrease results in a shift from normal to impaired pulmonary function in 10–15% of patients, with a concomitant increase in the risk of postoperative complications and death. Consequently, some patients may benefit from reassessment of pulmonary function after induction therapy. For patients with impaired pulmonary function after induction therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation or alternative treatment modalities, such as sublobar resection or stereotactic body radiotherapy, may be appropriate.