This retrospective cohort study investigated the prognostic value of lymph node ratio (LNR) compared to pN stage in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing surgery. Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) databases (2004-2015), the study found that LNR, categorized into three groups (LNR1, LNR2, LNR3), significantly predicted cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). A revised pN (r-pN) classification incorporating LNR and pN showed superior predictive performance than either LNR or pN alone. The findings suggest LNR is a valuable prognostic factor for NSCLC patients and could improve adjuvant treatment decisions.

Shou-Feng Wang, Nai-Quan Mao, Jiang-Qiong Huang, Xin-Bin Pan