Early recurrence of completely resected N2-positive non-small-cell lung cancer

Objective Postoperative early recurrence, defined as recurrence within 1 year postoperatively, is often experienced with completely resected N2 disease. In this study, we evaluated the risk factors for early recurrence with completely resected N2 disease. Methods Potential risk factors for postoperative early recurrence were evaluated in 75 patients with N2 disease who underwent complete resection without any preoperative therapy. Prognostic significance was determined by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results The median follow-up period was 24 months, and the 5-year survival rate was 23%. Thirty-nine patients developed postoperative early recurrence. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of patients with early recurrence were 64%, 10%, and 5%, respectively, and 100%, 51%, and 34%, respectively (p < 0.001). Multistation N1 metastasis was a risk factor for postoperative early recurrence by univariate analysis and an independent risk factor by multivariate analysis. Conclusions Early recurrence is a significant poor prognostic factor for completely resected N2 disease. It is suggested that the number of N1 stations with metastasis is a risk factor for early recurrence and a poor prognostic factor in N2 disease.