Salvage operation for late recurrence after stereotactic body radiotherapy for lung cancer: two patients with no viable cancer cells.

Abstract

We report two patients who underwent salvage lung resection for suspected local recurrence on computed tomography image findings after stereotactic body radiotherapy; however, the pathologic findings indicated no viable tumor cells. Distinguishing between posttreatment changes and tumor recurrence after stereotactic body radiotherapy on the image findings is difficult; therefore, the determination of surgical indications requires comprehensive evaluations.