Overview
This month, we recognize the invaluable contributions of our CT surgeons, whose efforts have led to innovations in lung cancer care and treatment. Their collaboration, expertise, and commitment to shared goals have significantly improved patient outcomes and advanced the field.
Learn more about how their dedication to advancing thoracic surgery initiatives, supporting research, and promoting technology have made a significant impact on the CT specialty.
Podcasts
"Thinking Thoracic," a new podcast series, delves into the latest advancements and breakthroughs in thoracic surgery.
Each episode is hosted by STS member surgeons and focuses on current news and trending topics within the specialty. Thought leaders will engage in discussions and debates about the latest research, surgical techniques, and trends.
2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer Key Takeaways
Summary of an update on clinical trials presented at the 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer.
General Thoracic Surgery Risk Calculators
STS has released two new mobile-friendly risk calculators designed to improve decision-making in thoracic surgery. These advanced tools were developed using contemporary data from the STS General Thoracic Surgery Database (GTSD).
Esophagectomy Risk Calculator
Allows surgeons and multidisciplinary medical providers to estimate a patient’s individualized risk in real-time for outcomes during esophageal cancer resection.
Lung Cancer Resection Risk Calculator
Provides individualized risk assessments based on specific patient factors, such as tumor characteristics, comorbidities, and the type of procedure performed.
Education
This year's Annual Meeting will offer a half-day preconference “Lung Cancer: Clinical Trials Meet Clinical Practice” symposium on Thursday, Jan. 23, which will provide an overview of recent diagnostic breakthroughs and key clinical trials.
Annual Meeting Preconference Symposium
Apply practical strategies for integrating knowledge into your daily practice as a cardiothoracic surgeon through interactive discussions, debates, and case-based tumor board sessions.
Videos
The Surgeon’s Role in Managing Patients with Resectable NSCLC
In this video, thoracic surgeon Dr. Leah Backhus discusses the role of the multidisciplinary tumor board, a team-based approach to diagnosis and staging, and guiding patients through their treatment journey.
STS Panel Discussion: Predictors of Venous Thromboembolism after Pulmonary Resection for Lung Cancer
In this panel discussion, STS surgeon members exchange viewpoints on a recent study that found patients with postoperative PE had increased 30-day mortality, reintubation, and readmission rates.
8 in 8: Detecting Lung Cancer Earlier Through AI-Powered Software
Dr. Crystal Erickson discusses the potential of AI to improve patient outcomes and reporting in radiology and oncology.
8 in 8: Smoking Cessation Matters
Dr. Matthew Steliga describes how surgeons can incorporate direct advice and smoking cessation counseling frameworks into their programs.
8 in 8: Biomarker Testing and Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy for Resectable NSCLC
This talk includes a look at the role of PD-L1 testing, peri-operative chemo-immunotherapy, and the importance of NGS testing for patients with actionable mutations.
8 in 8: Update on Immunotherapy for Resectable NSCLC
Dr. Jessica Donington provides the latest on adjuvant and neoadjuvant clinical trials that have recently concluded or will be releasing data in the near future.
Webinars
STS offers on-demand webinars on a variety of thoracic surgical topics.
Latin Thoracic Rounds: Rounds on a Patient with Locally Advanced Stage Lung Cancer
Join us on Nov. 15 for a discussion with an international panel of experts on managing a patient with stage IIIA lung cancer.
The Evolving Role of Radiation Therapy in Resectable Lung Cancer
In the past five years, immunotherapy has transformed the approach to treating resectable lung cancer in both neoadjuvant and adjuvant...
Emerging Role of Circulating Tumor DNA in the Management of Thoracic Malignancies
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a blood test that can be used to detect and monitor thoracic malignancies. It is being used to detect...
Robotic Bronchoscopy: Managing Sub-Centimeter Lung Cancer Tumors Together
In part two of the Robotic Thoracic Surgery webinar series, experts will discuss how a collaborative thoracic and pulmonary robotic...
Robotic Thoracic Surgery: How to Manage Emergencies and Difficult Cases
During this STS webinar, the first of two exploring robotic thoracic surgery, attendees will learn how to manage an airway injury and other...
Biomarker Testing and Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy for Resectable NSCLC
Discussion of two important clinical trials demonstrating equivalent survival for sublobar resection versus lobectomy for clinical stage IA.
Articles and Research
STS News, the Society's quarterly magazine includes the latest in CT surgery news and research. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, a peer-reviewed journal, covers the fields of thoracic diseases and surgery.
An Examination of the Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team
Thoracic surgeons play a critical role in guiding MDTs to provide patients with the best care possible.
Surgical Resection for Locally Advanced Lung Cancer: A Consensus-Based Approach
A paper written by a multidisciplinary group of experts has redefined the concept of resectability for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Sublobar Resection in Early NSCLC With Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutant
This study investigated the effectiveness of wedge resection and segmentectomy compared to lobectomy for treating early-stage lung cancer with EGFR mutations.
Blogs
Articles on a wide range of lung cancer-related topics.
Sharing Inspiration for Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Dr. Shanda Blackmon explains what inspired her to become a thoracic surgeon and how low screening rates are leaving people at risk.
Lung Cancer Screenings and the Use of AI
Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the U.S. Early detection of lung cancer through low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening has...
New Frontiers in Lung Preservation
While expanding geographic boundaries will ultimately enable better organ and recipient matching, it poses inherent challenges to organ...
Advocacy
STS advocates for enhanced patient access to lung cancer screenings and treatment.
Lung Cancer Advocacy
A list of key priorities, legislation, and resources for member advocacy.
Advocacy Highlights for Lung Cancer Awareness Month
A reflection on the significant efforts made by STS over the past year to advocate for improved lung cancer outcomes and raise awareness.