Risk of Pneumonectomy After Induction Therapy for Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Morbidity and mortality after pneumonectomy is substantial. Patients greater than 70 years old appear to be at increased risk. Induction chemotherapy also increases the risk of operative mortality after pneumonectomy. Patients should be advised of this increased operative risk, and the multidisciplinary team must consider this when pneumonectomy appears necessary after induction therapy for locally advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer.