9th January 2024

NSCLC

In NSCLC, where curative intent may be suitable, a lobectomy can be offered. This is commonly done via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), a minimally invasive technique similar to laparoscopic surgery in the abdomen. The benefits of VATS procedures over open surgery include reduced length of hospital stay, fewer post-operative complications and reduced time needing chest drains. More extensive surgery, including a pneumonectomy or bi-lobectomy, can be offered if clear margins are needed and cannot be confidently gained from a VATS procedure.

For patients in whom surgical intervention cannot be offered or it is declined, radical radiotherapy or chemotherapy can be offered. The survival benefits must be weighed up against the toxic side effects of the therapies. Patients with a good performance status should be offered adjuvant chemotherapy. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimens are selected based on particular mutations found in the NSCLC.