This article explores the complexities of determining resectability in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The authors emphasize that resectability, crucial for deciding treatment pathways, is best assessed by a multidisciplinary tumor board but lacks a standardized definition across clinical guidelines and trials. They discuss the significance of achieving complete resection (R0) for improving survival outcomes and detail the importance of precise staging through advanced imaging and invasive techniques. The article also examines the impact of new induction therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, on downstaging tumors to achieve resectability. This topic is highly relevant to CTSNet’s global cardiothoracic surgery audience as it addresses evolving surgical strategies and collaborative decision-making essential for optimizing patient outcomes in lung cancer treatment.