Verification of meta-analysis and propensity-matched analysis comparing stereotactic body radiation therapy versus surgery for early stage lung cancer

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has been recognized as a standard radical treatment for medically inoperable patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). However, evaluation of SBRT in medically operable patients has shown widely varying results. Evidence-based guidelines published by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) in 2017 (1) prudently expressed that SBRT is not recommended as an alternative to surgery outside of a clinical trial setting.