Management algorithms for stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer with N2 node involvement.

Stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with N2 node involvement (IIIA[N2]) is a complex area characterized by much confusion and controversy, because data derived from a particular subgroup of IIIA(N2) often are inappropriately applied to another subgroup. The problem is not so much that stage IIIA(N2) encompasses a spectrum of disease, which is true in each stage of NSCLC. Rather, our ability to describe a patient cohort has been limited, and it is therefore often difficult to determine how and when to apply data from published studies. A simple, pragmatic approach is taken in this article to define algorithms for the management of these patients.