Mediastinal lymph node dissection versus spared mediastinal lymph node dissection in stage IA non-small cell lung cancer presented as ground glass nodules: study protocol of a phase III, randomised, multicentre trial (MELDSIG) in China

INTRODUCTION: Radical surgery including mediastinal lymph node dissection is the standard treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). About 50% lung nodules are pure ground glass or part-solid nodules, which are predominantly clinical stage IA NSCLC. Non-solid nodules rarely develop mediastinal lymph node metastasis. METHOD AND ANALYSIS: A phase III study was started in China to evaluate the non-inferiority in overall survival of spared mediastinal lymph node dissection compared with mediastinal lymph node dissection in stage IA NSCLC. A total of 1362 patients will be enrolled from 4 institutions in 2–3 years. The second endpoints are relapse-free survival and perioperative data, including duration of hospitalisation, duration of chest tube placement, operation time, blood loss. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol has been reviewed and approved by the Clinical Research Review Board of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital. The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04631770.