Confronting synchronous multiple primary lung cancers: Navigating the intersection of challenges and opportunities

Abstract

The increased detection of synchronous multiple primary lung cancers (sMPLC) through advanced computed tomography underscores the necessity for innovative therapeutic approaches. sMPLC typically manifests as ground-glass opacities, mixed ground-glass opacities, and/or solid nodules, predominantly in early-stage, non-smoking female patients, with a majority being adenocarcinomas. The high prevalence of EGFR mutations and considerable heterogeneity among lesions pose distinct diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for sMPLC. This study provides a comprehensive review and analysis of recent clinical and radiological studies, genomic profiling, and the efficacy of the “Surgery + X” treatment model for sMPLC. Additionally, the article discusses several intricate and complex sMPLC cases, shedding light on the disease’s complexities and identifying existing gaps and potential breakthroughs in clinical diagnosis, treatment, and research. It underscores the critical role of a multidisciplinary approach and advocates for targeted research on sMPLC, highlighting its potential to impact lung cancer research significantly.