Treatment of patients with lung cancer and severe emphysema: lessons from lung volume reduction surgery

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is effective therapy for selected patients with end-stage emphysema. Surgery produces improved pulmonary function, increased exercise tolerance and enhanced quality of life. It has been shown to be superior to medical management over the short-term in randomized controlled trials. The experience gained by dealing with this select group of patients has had a substantial impact on management of lung cancer in some patients with advanced lung disease. Numerous surgical, anaesthetic, and nursing advances gained in dealing with lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) procedures now allow surgery to be considered as the optimal cancer management technique. For some carefully selected candidates, cancer resection and LVRS can be performed simultaneously, with dual benefits. The physiologic principles underlying LVRS and selection guidelines will be reviewed. The impact on cancer management and the current strategy at Toronto General Hospital will also be presented.