Lobar or sublobar resection of peripheral stage I non-small cell lung cancer

Purpose of review We aim to highlight two recent clinical trials that have altered the approach of the management of stage I nonsmall cell lung cancer. Recent findings The JCOG 0802 and CALGB 140503 trials demonstrated that sublobar resection is noninferior to lobectomy for overall and disease-free survival in patients with stage I nonsmall cell lung cancer. Summary Since 1962, lobectomy has been deemed the gold standard treatment for operable lung cancer. However, two recent clinical trials have demonstrated that, for select patients, sublobar resection is oncologically noninferior; results, which are leading us into a new era for the surgical management of lung cancer. Notwithstanding the progress made by these studies and the opportunities that have been put forth, questions remain. This review aims at reviewing the results of both trials and to discuss future perspectives for the surgical treatment of lung cancer.