Breakthrough research presented at the 2026 Society of Thoracic Surgeons Annual Meeting shows that additional lymph node evaluation is needed during surgery for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to accurately identify cancer spread.
The Society of Thoracic SurgeonsJan 31 2026 Breakthrough research presented at the 2026 Society of Thoracic Surgeons Annual Meeting shows that additional lymph node evaluation is needed during surgery for non-small cell lung cancer to accurately identify cancer spread.
Globally, surgical standards vary on the number and location of lymph nodes that should be removed and assessed for metastasis in patients with clinically node-negative NSCLC, cancer that imaging shows has not spread. In North America, surgical standards developed in 2021 call for assessment of three N2 nodes in the mediastinum between the right and left lungs, and one N1 node in the root of the lung. The study recommends that more than one N1 node be removed and evaluated. Using data from the STS General Thoracic Surgery Database , the largest clinical thoracic surgical database in North America with nearly 800,000 procedure records and more than 900 participating surgeons, the study found that more cancers were identified in N1 than N2 nodes, with many located in N1 nodes adjacent to the bronchi. We are narrowing down the best techniques for lymph node dissections in patients with lung cancer to give the best chance of identifying any cancer that is there and improving survival." The study is based on the review of 48,779 clinically node-negative patients with NSCLC and found that 11.2% were upstaged following surgery - meaning that surgical dissection of their lymph nodes revealed their cancers were more advanced than originally thought and reclassified at high stages. Patients underwent wedge resection, segmentectomy, or lobectomy. Patients were treated between July 2021 and 2024 across 279 centers and identified from the GTSD. Patients who received neoadjuvant therapy, received a preoperative mediastinoscopy, lacked preoperative PET-CT imaging, or had incomplete pathologic data were excluded. "With expanded node dissection, more patients whose cancer has spread will be identified, and they will receive appropriate systemic treatments," Seder added. Related Stories"The onus here is not only on surgeons for them to dissect more lymph nodes, but on pathologists to take the lung specimen we give them and do a very thorough evaluation of that lung specimen to get all the additional lymph nodes with cancer that are hiding in the specimen," said Seder. Surgeons often encounter complex decisions about which lymph nodes to remove. These new findings offer valuable insights that can help inform future updates to lymph node dissection guidelines. The GTSD, part of the STS National Database, is a true national benchmark, capturing detailed information on patient characteristics, surgical procedures, and outcomes. This study highlights the value of large-scale, real-world data analysis in informing clinical practice and guiding patient care.
Lung Cancer Lymph Node Cell Imaging Lymph Nodes Metastasis Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Research Small Cell Lung Cancer Surgery
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mercedes Dominates Barcelona Shakedown, Sets Early Pace for 2026Mercedes showcased impressive performance and reliability at the F1 pre-season shakedown in Barcelona, topping the mileage charts and setting fast lap times, cementing their position as early favorites for the 2026 season.
Read more »
February 2026 monthly horoscope: Your star sign’s tarot forecastFebruary 2026 tarot reading for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.
Read more »
Where Vogue Editors Are Going On Holiday In 2026From Bhutan to Venice, LA to Costa Rica, the holiday destinations on the Vogue editors’ vision boards for 2026.
Read more »
Cadillac F1 Unveils 2026 Livery with Times Square Activation and Super Bowl SpotCadillac Formula 1 is building up to its 2026 livery reveal with a Times Square activation from February 6-9, featuring a replica car in a chrome structure with a digital countdown. The livery will be unveiled during a Super Bowl TV advert. The team, led by team principal Graeme Lowdon, is also undergoing private testing in Barcelona.
Read more »
Lewis Hamilton shares promising Ferrari F1 2026 test verdictIn his current role of F1 Digital Editor, Lewis is responsible for leading Crash.net's coverage of the F1 world championship, a position he has held since February 2020. Lewis earned promotion to Crash.net's lead F1 writer after just two years of working for the company, having originally joined the team February 2018. In his time at Crash.
Read more »
McLaren make telling ‘very high bar’ admission after early F1 2026 setbackIn his current role of F1 Digital Editor, Lewis is responsible for leading Crash.net's coverage of the F1 world championship, a position he has held since February 2020. Lewis earned promotion to Crash.net's lead F1 writer after just two years of working for the company, having originally joined the team February 2018. In his time at Crash.
Read more »