Imaging for staging stage III nonsmall cell lung cancer

Educational aims

1. To explore tumour, node, metastasis staging (anatomical spread of the tumour) with a focus on imaging techniques.

2. To explain the principle of guidelines for staging.

3. To examine the pros and cons of implementing new techniques in guidelines for staging.

Summary Accurate locoregional staging is crucial in nonmetastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Staging techniques for stage III NSCLC can be classified as imaging, nonsurgical invasive and surgical invasive procedures. These techniques each have their place in accurate staging, and they are often complimentary.

This review will discuss imaging techniques in particular and examine the interplay between the various staging procedures. The specific topic of optimal restaging after induction in particular patients will also be discussed, with practical suggestions for locoregional staging strategies.