BTOG 2024 | What is the optimal follow-up for lung cancer long term survivors?

Robert Rintoul, University of Cambridge & Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK, discusses the evolving landscape of lung cancer treatment and the increasing rates of long-term survival. With advancements in surgical resection, chemo-radiotherapy, and systemic treatments like immunotherapy, patients are living longer than ever before. However, this progress brings new challenges in follow-up care, particularly regarding the detection of second primary lung cancers. Dr Rintoul emphasizes the need for extended follow-up periods beyond the traditional five years and proposes a shift towards proactive surveillance strategies. He outlines ongoing studies, such as the SPORT study (NCT04178889), aimed at identifying early biomarkers for second primaries or recurrences. Dr Rintoul advocates for a unified approach to follow-up care, integrating regular imaging and blood biomarkers to optimize survivorship outcomes for lung cancer patients in the long term. This interview took place at the BTOG 2024 congress in Belfast, UK.

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