SBRT versus lobectomy in stage I NSCLC: knowns, unknowns and its interpretation

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has become the guideline recommended treatment for patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), who are medically inoperable due to their comorbidities (1). In historical comparisons, SBRT has achieved substantially improved local tumor control compared to conventional radiotherapy, which has translated into improved overall survival (OS) (2). Additionally, SBRT is safe and effective even in highly fragile patient populations suffering from serve comorbidities or being at very advanced age.