The Value of Additional Conventional Transbronchial Biopsy in the Negative Results of Rapid On-site Evaluation During Endobronchial Ultrasound With Guide Sheath to Diagnose Small Peripheral Lung Cancer

To Evaluate the Diagnostic Performance of Rapid on-Site Evaluation (ROSE) in Combination with Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) for Pulmonary Lesions

Background

Currently, Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) are extensively utilized in the clinical practice of respiratory medicine. The combined diagnostic approach has been shown to enhance the clinical diagnostic accuracy; however, certain controversies remain.

Methods

This study included 200 patients who underwent endobronchial ultrasound combined with transbronchial lung biopsy with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS-TBLB) or endobronchial ultrasound combined with transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and received histopathological diagnoses at the Bronchoscopy Department, from January 2021 to January 2022. Of these, 168 patients were assigned to the ROSE group and 32 to the non-ROSE group. The diagnosis rates of EBUS-GS-TBLB and EBUS-TBNA, both with and without ROSE, along with the secondary biopsy rate, complication probability, and mean number of biopsies, were compared to analyze the differences between tumors and non-tumors. The safety of EBUS-GS-TBLB and EBUS-TBNA was also evaluated.

Results

The overall diagnostic accuracy was 85.71% in the ROSE group and 65.62% in the non-ROSE group. The diagnostic accuracy of the ROSE group was significantly higher than that of the non-ROSE group (P < 0.05). Compared to the non-ROSE group, the rate of secondary biopsy in the ROSE group was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), particularly in non-tumor cases. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications and the average number of biopsies between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared to the EBUS-GS-TBLB group, the EBUS-TBNA group showed a significantly lower incidence of complications and fewer biopsies (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The integration of ROSE with EBUS enhanced the diagnostic rate and reduced the need for secondary examinations in the biopsy diagnosis of lung lesions, particularly in the definitive diagnosis of non-neoplastic lesions. The combination of ROSE technology appears to be more advantageous. Compared to EBUS-GS-TBLB, EBUS-TBNA demonstrated a lower incidence of complications and fewer biopsies.

Diagnostic performance of rapid on-site evaluation during bronchoscopy for lung cancer: A comprehensive meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Screening high-risk populations for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) reduces lung cancer mortality. Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to monitor patients suspected of having lung cancer after LDCT. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) can improve the diagnostic accuracy of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), although its diagnostic value remains unclear. In this meta-analysis, the authors evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of ROSE during bronchoscopy.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of ROSE for lung cancer during bronchoscopy. Studies evaluating the performance of ROSE and articles providing sufficient data for constructing a 2 × 2 table on a per-lesion basis were included. A meta-analysis was conducted using a bivariate random-effects model.

RESULTS

In total, 32 studies involving 8243 lung lesions were included with a pooled sensitivity of 91.8% and a pooled specificity of 94.9%. Subgroup analysis of 12 studies involving 2929 specimens from patients who underwent computed tomography revealed a pooled sensitivity of 93.8% and a pooled specificity of 96%. Further subgroup analysis of seven studies on the diagnostic outcomes of ROSE for intrathoracic or mediastinal lymph nodes through EBUS-TBNA for lung cancer staging revealed a pooled sensitivity of 90.1% and a pooled specificity of 96.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

ROSE exhibited high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing lung cancer during bronchoscopy. It also exhibited high sensitivity in detecting lung cancer in patients undergoing LDCT and higher specificity for nodal staging with EBUS-TBNA.

Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions. A narrative review

An increasing number of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) requiring tissue verification to establish a definite diagnosis for further individualized management are detected due to the growing adoption of lung cancer screening by chest computed tomography (CT), especially low-dose CT. However, the morphological diagnosis of PPLs remains challenging. Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) that can retrieve larger specimens with more preserved cellular architecture and fewer crush artifacts in comparison with conventional transbronchial forceps biopsy (TBFB), as an emerging technology for diagnosing PPLs, has been demonstrated to have the potential to resolve the clinical dilemma pertaining to currently available sampling devices (e.g., forceps, needle and brush) and become a diagnostic cornerstone for PPLs. Of note, with the introduction of the 1.1 mm cryoprobe that will be more compatible with advanced bronchoscopic navigation techniques, such as radial endobronchial ultrasound (r-EBUS), virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB), the use of TBLC is expected to gain more popularity in the diagnosis of PPLs. While much remains for exploration using the TBLC technique for diagnosing PPLs, it can be envisaged that the emergence of additional studies with larger data accrual will hopefully add to the body of evidence in this field.

Rapid On-Site Evaluation Performed by an Interventional Pulmonologist: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE) during bronchoscopy allows us to assess sample adequacy for diagnosis and molecular analyses in the context of precision oncology. While extemporaneous smears are typically evaluated by pathologists, their presence during bronchoscopy is not always possible. Our aim is to assess the concordance between ROSE performed by interventional pulmonologists and cytopathologists.

METHODS

We performed ROSE on 133 samples collected from 108 patients who underwent bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of suspect thoracic findings or for mediastinal lymph node staging (May 2023-October 2023). Randomly selected smears (one for each collection site) were independently evaluated for adequacy by a pulmonologist and a pathologist to assess the concordance of their evaluation.

RESULTS

Among 133 selected smears evaluated by a pulmonologist and pathologist, 100 were adequate for both, 10 were inadequate for both and 23 were discordant; hence, global concordance was 82.7%; Cohen's Kappa was 0.385, defining fair agreement. Concordance was similar irrespective of sample collection site (lymph nodes vs. pulmonary lesions; p = 0.999) and among samples which were considered adequate or inadequate by the pulmonologist (p = 0.608).

CONCLUSIONS

Trained pulmonologists can evaluate the appropriateness of sampling with good concordance with cytopathologists. Our work supports autonomous ROSE by pulmonologists where pathologists are not immediately available.

The application of artificial intelligence for Rapid On-Site Evaluation during flexible bronchoscopy

Background

Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE) during flexible bronchoscopy (FB) can improve the adequacy of biopsy specimens and diagnostic yield of lung cancer. However, the lack of cytopathologists has restricted the wide use of ROSE.

Objective

To develop a ROSE artificial intelligence (AI) system using deep learning techniques to differentiate malignant from benign lesions based on ROSE cytological images, and evaluate the clinical performance of the ROSE AI system.

Method

6357 ROSE cytological images from 721 patients who underwent transbronchial biopsy were collected from January to July 2023 at the Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University. A ROSE AI system, composed of a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN), was developed to identify whether there were malignant cells in the ROSE cytological images. Internal testing, external testing, and human-machine competition were used to evaluate the performance of the system.

Results

The ROSE AI system identified images containing lung malignant cells with the accuracy of 92.97% and 90.26% on the internal testing dataset and external testing dataset respectively, and its performance was comparable to that of the experienced cytopathologist. The ROSE AI system also showed promising performance in diagnosing lung cancer based on ROSE cytological images, with accuracy of 89.61% and 87.59%, and sensitivity of 90.57% and 94.90% on the internal testing dataset and external testing dataset respectively. More specifically, the agreement between the ROSE AI system and the experienced cytopathologist in diagnosing common types of lung cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and small cell lung cancer, demonstrated almost perfect consistency in both the internal testing dataset (κ  =   0.930 ) and the external testing dataset (κ  =   0.932 ).

Conclusions

The ROSE AI system demonstrated feasibility and robustness in identifying specimen adequacy, showing potential enhancement in the diagnostic yield of FB. Nevertheless, additional enhancements, incorporating a more diverse range of training data and leveraging advanced AI models with increased capabilities, along with rigorous validation through extensive multi-center randomized control assays, are crucial to guarantee the seamless and effective integration of this technology into clinical practice.

Predictive value of the resistance of the probe to pass through the lesion in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions using radial probe endobronchial ultrasound with a guide sheath

Background

Transbronchial lung biopsy guided by radial probe endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS-TBLB) is becoming a significant approach for diagnosing peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). We aimed to explore the clinical value of the resistance of the probe to pass through the lesion in the diagnosis of PPLs when performing EBUS-GS-TBLB, and to determine the optimum number of EBUS-GS-TBLB.

Methods

We performed a prospective, single-center study of 126 consecutive patients who underwent EBUS-GS-TBLB for solid and positive-bronchus-sign PPLs where the probe was located within the lesion from September 2019 to May 2022. The classification of probe resistance for each lesion was carried out by two bronchoscopists independently, and the final result depended on the bronchoscopist responsible for the procedures. The primary endpoint was the diagnostic yield according with the resistance pattern. The secondary endpoints were the optimum number of EBUS-GS-TBLB and factors affecting diagnostic yield. Procedural complications were also recorded.

Results

The total diagnostic yield of EBUS-GS-TBLB was 77.8%, including 83.8% malignant and 67.4% benign diseases (P=0.033). Probe resistance type II displayed the highest diagnostic yield (87.5%), followed by type III (81.0%) and type I (61.1%). A significant difference between the diagnostic yield of malignant and benign diseases was detected in type II (P = 0.008), whereas others did not. Although most of the malignant PPLs with a definitive diagnosis using EBUS-GS-TBLB in type II or type III could be diagnosed in the first biopsy, the fourth biopsy contributed the most sufficient biopsy samples. In contrast, considerably limited tissue specimens could be obtained for each biopsy in type I. The inter-observer agreement of the two blinded bronchoscopists for the classification of probe resistance was excellent (κ = 0.84).

Conclusion

The probe resistance is a useful predictive factor for successful EBUS-GS-TBLB diagnosis of solid and positive-bronchus-sign PPLs where the probe was located within the lesion. Four serial biopsies are appropriate for both probe resistance type II and type III, and additional diagnostic procedures are needed for type I.

Endobronchial ultrasound with a guide sheath during bronchoscopy for peripheral pulmonary lesions

INTRODUCTION

Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (rEBUS) improves the diagnostic yield of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). A notable methodological limitation of rEBUS is that it does not provide real-time images during transbronchial biopsy (TBB) procedures. To overcome this limitation, a guide sheath (GS) method was developed.

AREAS COVERED

This review covers the procedures and complications of rEBUS-guided TBB with a GS (EGS method). We also present the data from key randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the EGS method and summarize the usefulness of combining the EGS method with various techniques. Finally, we discuss in which situations EGS should be used.

EXPERT OPINION

A large RCT showed that the diagnostic yield of the EGS method for PPLs was significantly higher than that of rEBUS-guided TBB without a GS (non-GS method). However, since the EGS and non-GS methods each have their own advantages and disadvantages, they should be considered complementary and used flexibly in different cases. In some cases, a combination of the two may be an option. The appropriate combination of EGS with various techniques may enhance the diagnostic yield of PPLs and help prevent complications. The choice should be based on the location and texture of the target lesion, as well as operator skill, resource availability, safety, and accuracy.

Application of bronchoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral pulmonary lesions in China: a national cross-sectional study

Background: Bronchoscopy has gradually become valuable armamentarium in evaluating and applying endoscopic therapy to peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) around the world. We aimed to make a comprehensive understanding of the application of bronchoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of PPLs in China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in China between January 2022 and March 2022. The survey was in the form of an online questionnaire which was filled in with real-time data by the respondents. Results: A total of 347 doctors from 284 tertiary hospitals (81.8%) and 63 secondary general hospitals (18.2%) were included in the data analysis. More than half of the surveyed doctors (55.0%) had independently performed respiratory endoscopy for 5-15 years. Higher proportions of hospitals with a fixed nursing team, anesthesiologists and rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) during bronchoscopic procedures were performed in tertiary hospitals than those in secondary general hospitals (P<0.001 each). There were 316 hospitals (91.7%) eligible for performing biopsies of PPLs less than 30mm, while more than 300 PPLs biopsies were performed in only 78 hospitals (24.7%) per year. Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (r-EBUS) (50.3%) was the commonest type of technique used in the guidance of a bronchoscope to PPLs, followed by navigational bronchoscopy (30.3%) and cone beam CT (CBCT) (17.0%). Although two thirds of the surveyed hospitals had at least one bronchoscopic guidance devices, the actual utilization of these devices was not high due to high capital costs and absence of training. To note, more diagnostic procedures and allocated devices were concentrated in the southeast region and coastal cities. Furthermore, therapeutic bronchoscopic interventions for peripheral lung cancer and/or high-risk PPLs could be performed in 124 (35.7%) of the 347 involved hospitals. Conclusions: Bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of PPLs has been carried out in most hospitals in China and yields in different hospitals and regions varied greatly. To date, only a few hospitals in China can develop therapeutic bronchoscopy for PPLs.

Radial-EBUS: CryoBiopsy Versus Conventional Biopsy: Time-Sample and C-Arm

Introduction: Diagnosis of lung nodules is still under investigation. We use computed tomography scans and positron emission tomography in order to identify their origin. Patients and Methods: In our retrospective study, we included 248 patients with a single lung nodule or multiple lung nodules of size ≥1 cm. We used a radial-endobronchial ultrasound and a C-Arm. We used a 1.1 mm cryoprobe versus a 22G needle vs. forceps/brush. We compared the sample size of each biopsy method with the number of cell-block slices. Results: Central lesions indifferent to the method provided the same mean number of cell-block slices (0.04933–0.02410). Cryobiopsies provide less sample size for peripheral lesions due to the higher incidence of pneumothorax (0.04700–0.02296). Conclusion: The larger the lesion ≥2 cm, and central, more cell-blocks are produced indifferent to the biopsy method (0.13386–0.02939). The time of the procedure was observed to be less when the C-Arm was used as an additional navigation tool (0.14854–0.00089).