Treatment Selection for the High-risk Patient with Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Sublobar Resection, Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy or Image-guided Thermal Ablation?

Objective: A significant proportion of patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are considered at high risk for complications or mortality after lobectomy. The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) previously published an expert consensus document detailing important considerations in determining who is at high risk. The current objective was to evaluate treatment options and important factors to consider during treatment selection for these high-risk patients.

Methods: After systematic review of the literature, treatment options for high-risk patients with stage I NSCLC were reviewed by an AATS expert panel. Expert consensus statements and vignettes pertaining to treatment selection were then developed using discussion and a modified Delphi method.

Results: The expert panel identified sublobar resection, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), and image-guided thermal ablation (IGTA) as modalities applicable in the treatment of high-risk patients with stage I NSCLC. The panel also identified lung-nodule-related factors that are important to consider in treatment selection. Using this information, the panel formulated 14 consensus statements and 5 vignettes illustrating clinical scenarios.

Conclusions: This article summarizes important factors to consider in treatment selection using these modalities, which are applicable in high-risk patients with stage I NSCLC. The choice of which modality (sublobar resection, SABR, or IGTA) is optimal in high-risk patients with stage I NSCLC is complex, but a surgical approach is generally favored when deemed safe. SABR and IGTA are reasonable options in select patients. SABR is more commonly used than IGTA and is likely the next-best choice. A multi-disciplinary review of patient and tumor characteristics is essential for achieving an optimal decision. The clinical treatment decision should also take patient perspectives, preferences, and quality of life into consideration.