TNM-classification for lung cancer: from the 7th to the 8th edition

• Published in: Acta chirurgica belgica Vol. 111; no. 6; p. 389
• Main Authors: Cogen, A, Dockx, Y, Cheung, K J, Meulemans, E, Lauwers, P, Nia, P Sardari, Hendriks, J M, Van Schil, P E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.11.2011
• Subjects: Adenocarcinoma - classification; Adenocarcinoma - mortality; Adenocarcinoma - pathology; Humans; International Cooperation; Lung Neoplasms - classification; Lung Neoplasms - mortality; Lung Neoplasms - pathology; Lymphatic Metastasis; Medical Records; Neoplasm Staging - standards; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Prognosis; Sensitivity and Specificity; Survival Analysis
• ISSN: 0001-5458
• DOI: 10.1080/00015458.2011.11680779

Most tumors are staged according to the Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) classification. For lung cancer a new edition was introduced in 2009 and generally applied since 2010. This 7th TNM-classification is based on a large, international retrospective database. Important changes were made regarding the T, N, M factors and specific subcategories were added. However, this 7th edition is still purely based on anatomical information. Other prognosticators such as laboratory results, histology, tumor markers and molecular genetic factors are not yet considered. To prepare the 8th TNM classification a prospective database developed by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), is currently enrolling patients from all continents. In this way, more precise and reliable data will become available on specific subdivisions of the T, N and M factors. If proven to be prognostically valid, other parameters will be included as histology, demographic data and specific biochemical and molecular predictive and prognostic factors. All centers with a large experience in thoracic oncology are encouraged to participate in this prospective database.