Perioperative Predictive Factors for Tumor Regression and Survival in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Treatment and Lung Resection

Our study aimed to identify predictors for the effectiveness of tumor regression in lung cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment and cancer resections. Patients admitted between 2016 and 2022 were included in the study. Based on the histology of the tumor, patients were categorized into a lung adenocarcinoma group (LUAD) and squamous cell carcinoma group (SQCA). Ninety-five patients with non-small-cell lung cancer were included in the study. A total of 58 (61.1%) and 37 (38.9%) patients were included in the LUAD and SQCA groups, respectively. Additionally, 9 (9.5%), 56 (58.9%), and 30 (31.6%) patients were categorized with a tumor regression score of I, II, and III, respectively. In multivariable analyses, histology of the primary tumor (SQCA), lymph node size in the preoperative CT scan (>1.7 cm), and absolute tumor size reduction after neoadjuvant treatment (>2.6 cm) independently predict effectiveness of tumor regression (OR [95% confidence interval, p-value] of 6.88 [2.40-19.77, <i>p <</i> 0.0001], 3.13 [1.11-8.83, <i>p =</i> 0.0310], and 3.76 [1.20-11.81, <i>p =</i> 0.0233], respectively). Age > 70 years, extended resection > one lobe, and tumor recurrence or metastasis were identified as significant independent predictors of reduced overall survival. Assessment of tumor size before and after neoadjuvant treatment might help to identify high-risk patients with decreased survival and to improve patient management and care.