Prognostic significance of different lymph node staging systems in patients with resectable, node-positive, stage III, non-small cell lung cancer: Identifying the optimal classification for enhanced prognostic stratification

In patients with resectable node-positive, stage III, non-small cell lung cancer, classification according to the lymph node ratio, followed by the positive lymph nodes, may offer superior prognostic prediction capabilities compared to the traditional N staging in addressing prognostic heterogeneity. Additionally, identifying a high-risk prognosis with a lymph node ratio greater than 0.28 appears to be the most effective criterion for selecting candidates who would benefit from postoperative radiotherapy.