The impact of spread through air spaces on intrapulmonary metastasis in lung cancer: a retrospective study of multiple primary lung adenocarcinomas with confirmed common origin based on histological classification alone and combined histological-molecular classification.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Distinguishing multiple primary lung adenocarcinomas (MPLAs) from intrapulmonary metastases (IPMs) is essential for accurate staging and treatment planning. However, existing histologic and molecular criteria remain limited in diagnostic accuracy. Spread through air spaces (STAS) has been recognized as a marker of tumor aggressiveness, but its role in differentiating MPLA from IPM remains unclear. This study aimed to assess whether STAS can serve as a supportive marker to differentiate IPM from MPLA under both histologic and molecular frameworks.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 170 patients who were preoperatively diagnosed with MPLA and underwent surgical resection of multiple lung lesions. Clinical, histopathologic, and molecular data-including broad-panel n

SUBMITTER: Yan C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12432647 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature