Sublobar or lobar resection in early-stage peripheral non-small cell lung cancer less than 2cm: A meta-analysis for randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate whether sublobar resection is non-inferior to lobar resection in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer less than 2 ​cm.

Methods: This is a meta-analysis for randomized controlled trials. Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register were searched up to June 3, 2023. The primary outcome was 5-year survival, and the secondary outcomes were 5-year disease-free survival, cancer-related mortality, recurrence rate, postoperative lung function and perioperative events.

Results: A total of 5 studies enrolling 2035 patients were included. Sublobar resection was found to be non-inferior to lobar resection concerning the 5-year survival rate, 5-year disease-free survival rate and cancer-related mortality. However, sublobar resection was associated with higher recurrence rate and less reduction of postoperative lung function.

Conclusions: Sublobar resection was non-inferior to lobar resection in terms of survival outcomes and was associated with better postoperative lung function.

Keywords: Lobar resection; Non-small cell lung cancer; Segmentectomy; Sublobar resection; Wedge resection.