Risk Factors for Postoperative Outcomes and Complications in Patients With Large Intrathoracic Tumors: A Multicenter Analysis

Risk Factors for Outcomes and Postoperative Complications in Patients with Large Intrathoracic Neoplasms (GIANTOR) What is the purpose of this study? The main goal of this study is to evaluate the results of surgery for removing very large tumors inside the chest. While common lung cancers are well-studied, other types of chest tumors (like solitary fibrous tumors or nerve-related tumors) can grow slowly and reach a massive size (over 5 cm) before they are found. Because these cases are rare, there is little data on the best way to operate on them. Researchers want to identify the risks and complications associated with these surgeries to improve patient care.

Why is this study important? Operating on large chest tumors is technically difficult because they often press against or grow into nearby vital organs. Currently, doctors mostly rely on reports of single cases rather than large groups of patients. This study will look at a large multicenter group to provide more reliable information on surgical techniques (such as open surgery vs. minimally invasive) and long-term recovery.

Who can participate in this study? The study includes patients who meet the following criteria:Adults aged 18 years or older.Patients with intrathoracic tumors measuring 5 cm or larger.Tumors that can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).Patients who underwent surgery with the intent to completely remove the tumor.The study excludes patients with common non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), thymomas, or sarcomas of the chest wall.

How is the study designed? This is a multicenter, retrospective and prospective cohort study. It is led by the IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna and involves six other major thoracic surgery centers in Italy (Rome, Padua, Turin, Pisa, and Milan).Researchers will review medical records of approximately 400 patients who had surgery between January 2005 and December 2024. Data will be collected on:Surgical complications during and after the operation.The type of surgical access used.Patient survival and disease recurrence.

What are the expected outcomes? Researchers hope to:Determine the rate of complications and deaths related to the surgery.Find specific risk factors (like patient health or tumor size) that lead to more complications.Compare different surgical methods to see which works best for large tumors.Measure long-term survival and how long patients stay free of disease after surgery.The results will be shared through scientific journals and international conferences to help surgeons worldwide manage these complex cases more safely.