Complete Response in Inoperable Stage IIB Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma after Sequential Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Background: This manuscript reports a stage IIB (cT3N0M0) squamous NSCLC case deemed inoperable and treated with definitive radiotherapy followed by carboplatin/paclitaxel, achieving complete metabolic response on PET/CT. The paper then reviews standard management options for stage II NSCLC, emphasizing multidisciplinary decision-making. The main message is that selected inoperable stage II patients may achieve durable control with sequential or concurrent chemoradiation. Patients and Methods: I present a case report of complete therapeutic response in inoperable stage IIB non-small cell lung carcinoma after sequential radiotherapy and chemotherapy and a review of literature. Results: Surgical resection is the cornerstone of treatment and the best option for achieving cure in patients with clinically operable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). In circumstances where surgical resection may not be feasible, patients may be presented at a Multidisciplinary Tumour Board for further discussion between surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and palliative care. Whenever possible, patients should be considered for enrollment in clinical trials. Conclusions: Patients with stage II NSCLC who are inoperable or refuse surgery can also have long survival with concurrent or sequential radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
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