Follow-up and Surveillance of Curatively Treated Lung Cancer Patients

Guideline Objective

To develop recommendations for optimal clinical and imaging surveillance and disease control after curative-intent treatment for lung cancer. In addition, the guideline includes an assessment of late toxicity from cancer treatments, quality of life of lung cancer survivors and the benefit of smoking cessation interventions.

Patient Population

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients after curative-intent treatment were considered.

Intended Guideline Users

Thoracic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists specializing in lung cancer, radiologists, family physicians, respirologists, nurses and psychosocial care providers.

Research Questions

In survivors who have received curative-intent treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or small cell lung cancer (SCLC):

1. What clinical activities are effective at detecting recurrence or progression of lung cancer, including detection of metastases in lung cancer survivors?
2. What is the relationship between frequency and timing of any diagnostic/laboratory test in the management of recurrence in lung cancer survivors? Are recurrences associated with symptomatic versus asymptomatic presentation?
3. What symptoms are indicative of possible recurrence or development of any other primary cancer that warrant further evaluation?
4. What are the common non-recurrence related issues experienced by lung cancer survivors?
5. Is there a relationship between the clinician and/or setting of follow-up care and the effective detection and management of recurrent or metastatic disease?
6. Is there a value to smoking cessation counselling for lung cancer survivors?