Postoperative radiotherapy for patients with completely resected stage IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer: opt-in or opt-out

The role of adjuvant radiotherapy in completely resected pIIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has long been debated. Evidence from previous retrospective and prospective studies showed that postoperative radiotherapy could reduce the incidence of local recurrence and prolong disease-free survival, while two recently reported randomized controlled trials (lung ART and PORT-C) both demonstrated no survival benefit of postoperative radiotherapy. The great gap between our knowledge and reality has made us rethink the value of postoperative radiotherapy. In this mini review, we elaborate on the role of postoperative radiotherapy in completely resected pIIIA-N2 NSCLC.

Automated summary

The role of adjuvant radiotherapy in completely resected pIIIA-N2 NSCLC is controversial. Previous studies have shown that postoperative radiotherapy can reduce local recurrence and prolong disease-free survival, but recent randomized controlled trials have shown no survival benefit. We need to reassess the value of postoperative radiotherapy.