Cryoablation for T1N0M0 non-small cell lung cancer using liquid nitrogen

Abstract Objectives To evaluate local control and complications of cryoablation for T1N0M0 non-small cell lung cancer using liquid nitrogen. Methods This is a retrospective observational study on 101 patients with T1N0M0 NSCLC who underwent cryoablation between 2013 and 2019. Exclusion criteria included tumors without pathological diagnosis. The study population was divided into 4 groups according to the quartile of maximum tumor diameter. The study outcomes included local control, recurrence-free survival (RFS), treatment complications, and change in pulmonary function. Median follow-up period was 35 months. Results Tumor diameter was divided into ≤0.9 cm (n = 21), 1.0–1.2 (n = 29), 1.3–1.7 (n = 24), and ≥1.8 (n = 27). Ten patients experienced local recurrences, which were observed none in both the groups of ≤0.9 cm and 1.0–1.2 cm (0%), one in the group of 1.3−1.7 cm (4%), and the other 9 in the group of ≥1.8 cm (33 %), indicating the local control to be better in smaller tumors (p  Conclusion The local control and recurrence-free survival of cryoablation for T1N0M0 NSCLC was satisfactory for tumors