Article
The Management of Thymoma: A Systematic Review and Practice Guideline
Journal of Thoracic Oncology
(2009)
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Thymoma is a rare tumor for which there is little randomized evidence to guide treatment. Because of the lack of high-quality evidence, a formal consensus-based approach was used to develop recommendations on treatment.
METHODS: A systematic refview of the literature was performed. Recommendations were formed from available evidence and developed through a two-round modified Delphi consensus approach.
RESULTS: The treatment recommendations are summarized as follows: Stage I--complete resection of the entire thymus without neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. Stage II--complete resection of the entire thymus with consideration of adjuvant radiation for high-risk tumors. Stage IIIA--surgery either initially or after neoadjuvant therapy, or surgery followed by adjuvant therapy. Stage IIIB--treatment may include a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery, or if technically possible, surgery in combination with chemoradiotherapy (concurrent cisplatin based). For bulky tumors, consideration should be given to sequential chemotherapy followed by radiation. Stage IVA--as per stage III, with surgery only if metastases can be resected. Stage IVB--treatment on an individual case basis (no generic recommendations). Recurrent disease--consider surgery, radiation, and/or chemoradiation. Chemoradiation should be considered in all medically inoperable and technically inoperable patients.
CONCLUSION: Consensus was achieved on these recommendations, which serve to provide practical guidance to the physician treating this rare disease.
Keywords
- Combined Modality Therapy,
- Delphi Technique,
- Humans,
- Neoplasm Metastasis,
- Neoplasm Staging,
- Thymoma,
- Thymus Neoplasms
Disciplines
Publication Date
July, 2009
Citation Information
Conrad B. Falkson, Andrea Bezjak, Gail Darling, Richard Gregg, et al.. "The Management of Thymoma: A Systematic Review and Practice Guideline" Journal of Thoracic Oncology Vol. 4 Iss. 7 (2009) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/edwardyu/61/