Sentinel lymph node mapping in lung cancer: a step forward?

Early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) currently has a recurrence rate of 20% to 30%, which remains for at least four years after complete resection (1). Patients with occult nodal disease are at high risk of recurrence. Moreover, inaccurate staging in patients with early-stage lung cancer may result in failure to administer appropriate adjuvant treatment.