Linear endobronchial ultrasound-guided sampling of accessible mediastinal lesions is well established as a first-choice modality for lung cancer mediastinal staging. Parenchymal lung lesions, however, are routinely accessed by either a percutaneous (computed tomography guided) or a bronchoscopic approach. Direct comparisons between the percutaneous approach and bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound, or mediastinoscopy are sparse in regard to diagnostic accuracy, and it remains unknown which sampling technique is the safest and offers the most adequate material for comprehensive biomarker testing. This guideline addresses new evidence and aims to answer these questions relevant to contemporary lung cancer clinical practice. A multidisciplinary expert panel from the American Association of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology and the Early Detection and Screening Committee of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer was convened to address four Patient, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome questions pertaining to the safety and adequacy of comprehensive biomarker testing for frequently used intrathoracic biopsy techniques. The panel included 24 experts in thoracic procedures, including 18 pulmonologists, two radiologists, one pathologist, and three thoracic surgeons from 22 hospitals across 12 countries. All panel members participated in the development of the final recommendations using a modified Delphi technique. Specific recommendations are provided on safety and adequacy of minimally invasive thoracic interventions on patients with confirmed or suspected lung cancer for which comprehensive biomarker testing is needed for standard of care or clinical trial participation.
Keywords: Biomarker testing; Bronchoscopy; Endobronchial ultrasound; Lung biopsy; Lung cancer; Navigation bronchoscopy.
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