skip to main content

Medically inoperable stage I NSCLC — SCE Respiratory MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardLung cancerMedically inoperable stage I NSCLCSCE Respiratory

A 78-year-old woman with stage I peripheral NSCLC is discussed at MDT. She has severe COPD, FEV1 32% predicted, TLCO 30% predicted and desaturates to 84% on shuttle walk testing. PET-CT shows no nodal or distant disease and biopsy confirms adenocarcinoma. Thoracic surgery considers lobectomy unsafe. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy

SABR is an established radical-intent option for medically inoperable early-stage peripheral NSCLC. Chemotherapy is not the preferred curative modality for isolated stage I disease. Operability in lung cancer depends on both tumour stage and physiological reserve.

Reference: NICE NG122 Lung cancer; BTS/SCTS fitness for radical treatment guidance