A new study1 found that the use of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) produced similar overall survival in patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) when compared with the use of surgery, makin
SBRT Shows Comparable Survival to Lobectomy in Stage I NSCLC
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) demonstrates comparable overall survival to lobectomy for patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to a recent retrospective study. This finding offers a valuable treatment option for patients who may not be suitable candidates for surgery.
Researchers at Ajou University Hospital in South Korea analyzed data from 214 patients diagnosed with stage I NSCLC between 2016 and 2021. The study compared outcomes between patients who underwent lobectomy (surgical removal of a lung lobe) and those who received SBRT, a highly focused form of radiation therapy.
The results, published in Radiotherapy and Oncology, revealed no significant difference in overall survival between the two groups. The median overall survival was not reached in either the lobectomy group or the SBRT group during the study follow-up period. This suggests that SBRT can achieve similar long-term outcomes as surgery for appropriately selected patients.
SBRT delivers high doses of radiation to a precisely targeted tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It’s typically used for patients with early-stage lung cancer who are unable to undergo surgery due to age, comorbidities, or othre factors. The study highlights the potential for SBRT to expand treatment options and improve outcomes for a wider range of patients with stage I NSCLC.
The study included patients who were excluded if they had double primary lung cancers or a history of other malignancies within the previous 5 years. The surgery group underwent either thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.
Of the 214 patients, 93 received a lobectomy and 31 received SBRT.
Key Takeaways
- SBRT offers comparable overall survival to lobectomy in patients with stage I NSCLC.
- SBRT is a viable treatment option for patients who are not surgical candidates.
- The study supports the expanding role of SBRT in the management of early-stage lung cancer.
Publication Date: 2025/10/30 17:03:32