Salvage Operation for Late Recurrence After Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Lung Cancer: Two Patients With No Viable Cancer Cells

We report two patients who underwent salvage lung resection for suspected local recurrence on computed tomography image findings after stereotactic body radiotherapy; however, the pathologic findings indicated no viable tumor cells. Distinguishing between posttreatment changes and tumor recurrence after stereotactic body radiotherapy on the image findings is difficult; therefore, the determination of surgical indications requires comprehensive evaluations. (C) 2014 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons