Arm function and quality of life after trimodal treatment of sulcus superior tumour (SST)

Superior sulcus tumours are rare lung carcinoma's classified as stage 2B or 3.
With trimodality treatment (induction chemoradiotherapy, followed by surgery)
patients have a relatively favouorable prognosis, especially compared to other
stage 3 patients. However, the function of shoulder and arm and quality of life
may be impaired due to the intensive local treatment. In the literature
virtually no data are available on this topic. Since VUmc is a referral centre
for patients with SST and since 2002 all patients have been treated with the
same protocol, an ideal situation exists to evaluate the long term disabilities
and quality of life after treatment.

Determine arm and shoulder function and quality of life scores before and after
treatment of SST. The untreated extremity can serve as a control.
Determine riskfactors for a poor functionale outcome and quality of life after
treatment for SST (e.g. radiotherapydose, interval between induction and
surgery, etc
To inform patients in the future before surgery on the expected function and
quality of life after resection
If avoidable risk factors can be identified, e.g. through perioperative measures
Initiate new studies on safety of new treatment protocols (eg. higher
radiotherapy doses)

Longitudinal cohort study in patients operated in VUmc aftter induction with
chemoradiation for SST since 01-01-2002

Study will be scheduled on the same day as a outpatient clinic visit has been
booked (if any). For patients who do not have a visit booked at VUmc, they will
be asked to make a seperate appointment for this study. These participants will
get a reimbursement of travel expenses.