A systematic review and meta-analysis of stereotactic body radiation therapy versus surgery for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy is the preferred treatment modality for patients with inoperable early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. However, comparative outcomes between stereotactic body radiation therapy and surgery for high-risk patients remain controversial. The primary aim of the present meta-analysis was to assess overall survival in matched and unmatched patient cohorts undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy or surgery. Secondary end points included cancer-specific survival, disease-free survival, disease recurrence, and perioperative outcomes.