Mini-review of phase III trial data on sublobar resection for small peripheral NSCLC

This publication is a mini-review that synthesizes evidence from a multicenter phase III trial evaluating sublobar resection versus lobectomy. The study focused on patients with peripheral, clinically node-negative non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) measuring 2 cm or less. The sample size for this trial was not reported, and specific follow-up duration was also not reported in the source material.

Key findings indicate that sublobar resection was noninferior regarding disease-free survival, with no specific effect size, absolute numbers, or p-values reported. Furthermore, overall survival and recurrence patterns were described as comparable between the two surgical approaches. No specific adverse events, serious adverse events, or discontinuation rates were reported in the source data.

The authors acknowledge ongoing controversies and identify key gaps requiring future investigation. Practice relevance is established for stage IA NSCLC, where sublobar resection is considered an acceptable and potentially preferable strategy for some patients. The review concludes that while these data support the procedure, secondary and exploratory analyses continue to refine day-to-day clinical decision-making in this setting.