Curing Operable Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy: The Force Awakens

Abstract

In 2016, surgery is the standard of care for peripheral stage I non-small cell lung cancer. However, recent thought-provoking randomized evidence suggests stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) has survival outcomes similar to those of surgery. Albeit limited, patient-reported outcomes and quality of life suggest that SABR compares favorably to surgery because it is noninvasive and associated with relatively few treatment-related complications. This article explores the current scientific landscape of surgery and SABR in this patient cohort.