Prognosis in N2 NSCLC.
The prognosis of bronchogenic carcinoma in stage III N2 is poor. Five-year survival ranges between 0 and 5%. Lymph-node involvement itself still is the main prognostic factor. Complete lymphadenectomy improves long-term survival in contrast to lymph-node sampling. Recent studies have indicated that the number of involved lymph nodes could be another prognostic factor. It has also been proved that complete lymphadenectomy is necessary for correct staging. This also applies to preoperative staging prior to neoadjuvant treatment. For this reason exact knowledge of lymph-node anatomy and drainage is required. To achieve assessment and comparison of mediastinal staging and of lymphadenectomy, the number of pathologically examined lymph nodes should be documented. Other prognostic factors within N2 stages are age and T stage. Molecular markers are subject to major investigation. A definite clinical relevance, however, could so far not be verified for any of them.
Friedel
Godehard
G
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Schillerhoehe Hospital, Solitudestrasse 18, D-70839 Gerlingen, Germany. Friedel@klinik-schillerhoehe.de
Steger
Volker
V
Kyriss
Thomas
T
Zoller
Jutta
J
Toomes
Heikki
H
D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000473:pathology; D008482:Mediastinum / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D015996:Survival Rate