Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration for identifying EGFR mutations

Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Mediastinal Lymph Nodal Cryobiopsy in Patients With Nondiagnostic/Inadequate Rapid On-site Evaluation: A New Step in the Diagnostic Algorithm

BACKGROUND

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is considered the investigation of choice for sampling mediastinal nodes. A major drawback of EBUS-TBNA is its lower diagnostic yield for lymphoma and benign diseases. EBUS-guided mediastinal cryobiopsy (EBUS-MCB) is a novel technique that provides larger nodal biopsy samples, with an acceptable safety profile. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield of EBUS-MCB in patients with an inconclusive rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE).

METHODS

This is a prospective study of patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA for undiagnosed mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Patients in whom ROSE did not yield a diagnosis (nondiagnostic ROSE) or ROSE revealed scanty atypical cells (inadequate ROSE) were subjected to EBUS-MCB. The diagnostic yield, adequacy, and complications of EBUS-MCB were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 196 patients undergoing EBUS-TBNA, 46 patients underwent EBUS-MCB. Thirty-two cases underwent EBUS-MCB for a nondiagnostic ROSE. EBUS-MCB confirmed the diagnosis in 19/32 (59.3%) cases. The additive diagnostic yield of EBUS-MCB over EBUS-TBNA was 43.7% (14/32 cases). In all 14 cases where EBUS-MCB was performed for an inadequate ROSE, the material obtained by EBUS-MCB was adequate for ancillary studies. The most common complication observed was a minor bleed in 13 cases.

CONCLUSION

EBUS-MCB has a diagnostic yield of 59.3% when performed in cases with a nondiagnostic EBUS-ROSE. The tissue obtained by EBUS-MCB is adequate for ancillary studies. We propose EBUS-MCB as an additional diagnostic step in cases with an inconclusive ROSE while performing EBUS-TBNA. Larger studies are, however, needed before EBUS-MCB can be incorporated in the diagnostic algorithm for the evaluation of mediastinal lesions.

Clinical Applications of Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) Scope: Challenges and Opportunities

Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) has been widely used to stage lung tumors and to diagnose mediastinal diseases. In the last decade, this procedure has evolved in several technical aspects, with new tools available to optimize tissue sampling and to increase its diagnostic yield, like elastography, different types of needles and, most recently, miniforceps and cryobiopsy. Accordingly, the indications for the use of the EBUS scope into the airways to perform the Endobronchial Ultrasound-TransBronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has also extended beyond the endobronchial and thoracic boundaries to sample lesions from the liver, left adrenal gland and retroperitoneal lymph nodes via the gastroesophageal tract, performing the Endoscopic UltraSound with Bronchoscope-guided Fine Needle Aspiration (EUS-B-FNA). In this review, we summarize and critically discuss the main indication for the use of the EBUS scope, even the more uncommon, to underline its utility and versatility in clinical practice.

Transbronchial needle aspiration combined with cryobiopsy in the diagnosis of mediastinal diseases: a multicentre, open-label, randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy is a novel sampling technique for mediastinal disease. Despite the possibility of lung cancer misdiagnosis, the improved diagnostic yield of this approach for non-lung-cancer lesions compared with standard endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) highlights its diagnostic potential as a complementary technique to conventional biopsy. We aimed to evaluate the safety profile and added value of the combined use of transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy and standard EBUS-TBNA for the diagnosis of mediastinal diseases.

METHODS

We conducted an open-label, randomised trial at three hospital sites in Europe and Asia. Eligible patients were aged 15 years or older, with at least one mediastinal lesion of 1 cm or longer in the short axis that required diagnostic bronchoscopy. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) using a block randomisation scheme generated by a computer (block size of four participants based on a random table from an independent statistician) to the combined use of EBUS-TBNA and transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy (combined group) or EBUS-TBNA alone (control group). Because of the nature of the intervention, neither participants nor investigators were masked to group assignment. The coprimary outcomes were differences in procedure-related complications and diagnostic yield (defined as the proportion of participants for whom mediastinal biopsy led to a definitive diagnosis), assessed in the full analysis set, including all the patients who met the eligibility criteria and had a biopsy. A fully paired, intraindividual diagnostic analysis in participants who had both needle aspiration and mediastinal cryobiopsy was conducted, in addition to interindividual comparisons. This trial is now complete and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04572984.

FINDINGS

Between Oct 12, 2020, and Sept 9, 2021, 297 consecutive patients were assessed for eligibility and 271 were enrolled and randomly assigned to the combined group (n=136) or the control group (n=135). The addition of cryobiopsy to standard sampling significantly increased the overall diagnostic yield for mediastinal lesions, as shown by both interindividual (126 [93%] of 136 participants in the combined group vs 109 [81%] of 135 in the control group; risk ratio [RR] 1·15 [95% CI 1·04-1·26]; p=0·0039) and intraindividual (126 [94%] of 134 vs 110 [82%] of 134; RR 1·15 [95% CI 1·05-1·25]; p=0·0026) analyses. In subgroup analyses in the intraindividual population, diagnostic yields were similar for mediastinal metastasis (68 [99%] of 69 participants in the combined group vs 68 [99%] of 69 in the control group; RR 1·00 [95% CI 0·96-1·04]; p=1·00), whereas the combined approach was more sensitive than standard needle aspiration in benign disorders (45 [94%] of 48 vs 32 [67%] of 48; RR 1·41 [95% CI 1·14-1·74]; p=0·0009). The combined approach also resulted in an improved suitability of tissue samples for molecular and immunological analyses of non-small-cell lung cancer. The incidence of adverse events related to the biopsy procedure did not differ between trial groups, as grade 3-4 airway bleeding occurred in three (2%) patients in the combined group and two (1%) in the control group (RR 0·67 [95% CI 0·11-3·96]; p=1·00). There were no severe complications causing death or disability.

INTERPRETATION

The addition of mediastinal cryobiopsy to standard EBUS-TBNA resulted in a significant improvement in diagnostic yield for mediastinal lesions, with a good safety profile. These data suggest that this combined approach is a valid first-line diagnostic tool for mediastinal diseases.

FUNDING

National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Prospective Optimization of Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Lymph Node Assessment for Lung Cancer: Three Needle Agitations Are Noninferior to 10 Agitations for Adequate Tumor Cell and DNA Yield

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Feasibility of EBUS-TBNA for histopathological and molecular diagnostics of NSCLC-A retrospective single-center experience

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive bronchoscopic procedure, well established as a diagnostic modality of first choice for diagnosis and staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The therapeutic decisions for advanced NSCLC require comprehensive profiling of actionable mutations, which is currently considered to be an essential part of the diagnostic process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of EBUS-TBNA cytology specimen for histological subtyping, molecular profiling of NSCLC by massive parallel sequencing (MPS), as well as for PD-L1 analysis. A retrospective review of 806 EBUS bronchoscopies was performed, resulting in a cohort of 132 consecutive patients with EBUS-TBNA specimens showing NSCLC cells in lymph nodes. Data on patient demographics, radiology features of the suspected tumor and mediastinal engagement, lymph nodes sampled, the histopathological subtype of NSCLC, and performed molecular analysis were collected. The EBUS-TBNA specimen proved sufficient for subtyping NSCLC in 83% and analysis of treatment predictive biomarkers in 77% (MPS in 53%). The adequacy of the EBUS-TBNA specimen was 69% for EGFR gene mutation analysis, 49% for analysis of ALK rearrangement, 36% for ROS1 rearrangement, and 33% for analysis of PD-L1. The findings of our study confirm that EBUS-TBNA cytology aspirate is appropriate for diagnosis and subtyping of NSCLC and largely also for treatment predictive molecular testing, although more data is needed on the utility of EBUS cytology specimen for MPS and PD-L1 analysis.

Reliable Detection of Somatic Mutations for Pancreatic Cancer in Endoscopic Ultrasonography-Guided Fine Needle Aspirates with Next-Generation Sequencing: Implications from a Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND OR PURPOSE

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is commonly diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). However, the diagnostic adequacy of EUS-FNA is often limited by low cellularity leading to inconclusive results. We aimed to investigate the feasibility and added utility of targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) on PDAC EUS-FNAs.

METHODS

EUS-FNAs were prospectively performed on 59 patients with suspected PDAC (2014-2017) at a high-volume center. FNAs were analyzed for the presence of somatic mutations using NGS to supplement cytopathologic evaluations and were compared to surgical specimens and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA).

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients with suspected PDAC were evaluated, and 52 were diagnosed with PDAC on EUS-FNA. Four of the remaining seven patients had inconclusive EUS-FNAs and were ultimately diagnosed with PDAC after surgical resection. Of these 56 cases of PDAC, 48 (85.7%) and 18 (32.1%) harbored a KRAS and/or TP53 mutation on FNA NGS, respectively. Particularly, in the four inconclusive FNA PDAC diagnoses (false negatives), half harbored KRAS mutations on FNA. No KRAS/TP53 mutation was found in remaining three non-PDAC cases. All EUS-FNA detected KRAS mutations were detected in 16 patients that underwent primary tumor NGS (100% concordance), while 75% KRAS concordance was found between FNA and ctDNA NGS.

CONCLUSION

Targeted NGS can reliably detect KRAS mutations from EUS-FNA samples and exhibits high KRAS mutational concordance with primary tumor and ctDNA. This suggests targeted NGS of EUS-FNA samples may enable preoperative ctDNA prognostication using digital droplet PCR and supplement diagnoses in patients with inconclusive EUS-FNA.

Transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy in the diagnosis of mediastinal lesions: a randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Guidelines recommend endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) as an initial investigation technique for mediastinal nodal staging in lung cancer. However, EBUS-TBNA can be limited by the inadequacy of intact tissues, which might restrict its diagnostic yield in mediastinal lesions of certain etiologies. We have previously shown that EBUS-guided transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy can provide intact samples with greater volume.

METHODS

This randomised study determined the diagnostic yield and safety of transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy monitored by endosonography for the diagnosis of mediastinal lesions. Patients with mediastinal lesion of 1 cm or more in the short axis were recruited. Following identification of the mediastinal lesion by linear EBUS, fine-needle aspiration and cryobiopsy were sequently performed in a randomised order. Primary endpoints were diagnostic yield defined as the percentage of patients for whom mediastinal biopsy provided a definite diagnosis, and procedure-related adverse events.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-seven patients were enrolled and randomly allocated. The overall diagnostic yield was 79.9% and 91.8% for TBNA and transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy, respectively (p=0.001). Diagnostic yields were similar for metastatic lymphadenopathy (94.1% versus 95.6%, p=0.58), while cryobiopsy was more sensitive than TBNA in uncommon tumors (91.7% versus 25.0%, p=0.001) and benign disorders (80.9% versus 53.2%, p=0.004). No significant differences in diagnostic yield were detected between TBNA first and cryobiopsy first groups. We observed 2 cases of pneumothorax and 1 case of pneumomediastinum.

CONCLUSIONS

Transbronchial cryobiopsy performed under EBUS guidance is a safe and useful approach that offers diagnostic histological samples of mediastinal lesions.

EBUS in optimizing non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis and treatment

Background

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a commonly used minimally invasive method for the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. In order to improve its diagnostic accuracy, rapid on-site cytologic evaluation (ROSE) is being utilized in some institutions. ROSE, performed by a cytopathologist in the examination room, allows the assessment of the adequacy of the collected samples, identifies malignant cells and sometimes establishes diagnosis on the spot, thus improving diagnostic sensitivity. As non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) require not only pathological subtyping, but also molecular characterization, obtaining the adequate amount of tissue is crucial. Only a limited number of studies have analyzed the suitability of EBUS-TBNA samples for assessment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) status.

Aim

We intended to examine the diagnostic yield of ROSE in NSCLC and the results and feasibility of molecular analysis performed on EBUS-TBNA small samples.

Methods

100 patients with lung tumors and hilar and/or mediastinal lymphadenopathy on CT or PET/CT scans were retrospectively identified over a 3-year period, from a prospectively maintained EBUS-TBNA database. All examinations were accompanied by on-site cytological exam - ROSE, histopathological exam (HPE) and, in the case of NSCLC, molecular testing. After the sampling of the lymph nodes, specimens were Diff-Quik stained and a rapid preliminary diagnosis was established. Immunohistochemistry and mutational testing were performed using cell blocks.

Results

Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent diagnosis in both ROSE (34%) and histopathology (53%). Overall sensitivity and positive predictive value of ROSE in NSCLC, considering HPE the gold standard, were 92.18% and 93.65%, respectively, with a specificity and negative predictive value of 75% and 70.58%, respectively. All samples that were tested for EGFR mutation and ALK rearrangement were adequate for analysis. The adequacy ratio for PD-L1 was 91.66%; 37.5% of patients showed a high PD-L1 expression level, with a tumor proportion score TPS ≥50%.

Conclusion

EBUS-TBNA is a valuable method for lung cancer diagnosis. ROSE proved to have a moderate prediction of the final diagnosis in NSCLC. Molecular analysis of EGFR, ALK and PD-L1 can be successfully accomplished on EBUS-TBNA small tissue samples.

Molecular analysis in cytological samples obtained by endobronchial or oesophageal ultrasound guided needle aspiration in non-small cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

Cytological samples obtained by endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) are capital for diagnosis, staging and molecular profile in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

OBJECTIVE

To assess the success rate of complete, partial and individual of molecular analysis in samples obtained by EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) and/or by oesophageal ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration with an echobronchoscope (EUS-B-FNA) in patients with NSCLC.

METHODS

Prospective study including 90 patients with non-squamous NSCLC, or non-smoking squamous. Cytological samples were classified into two groups. Group 1: PEN membrane slide and/or cell blocks for the determination of mutations of EGFR, KRAS, ERBB2 and BRAF. Group 2: silane coated slides or cell blocks for rearrangements of ALK, ROS1 and MET amplification.

RESULTS

The success rate was 78.6% for 4 molecular alterations (EGFR, KRAS, ALK and ROS1), and 44% for 7 determinations. The individual success rate for EGFR was 97%, KRAS 96.3%, ALK 85%, ROS1 82.3%, ERBB2 71.4%, BRAF 67.7% and MET 81.1%. There were no significant differences (p=0.489) in the number of molecular analyses (1-3 vs. 4) in group 1, depending on the types of samples (cell block vs. PEN membrane slide vs. cell block and PEN membrane slide).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with NSCLC, the cytological material obtained by ultrasound-guided needle aspiration is sufficient for individual and partial molecular analysis in the vast majority of cases. Membrane slides such as cell blocks are valid samples for molecular analysis.

Adequacy of Samples Obtained by Endobronchial Ultrasound with Transbronchial Needle Aspiration for Molecular Analysis in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

RATIONALE

Endobronchial ultrasound and transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) are commonly used for the diagnosis and mediastinal staging of lung cancer. Molecular markers are becoming increasingly important in patients with lung cancer to define targetable mutations suitable for personalized therapy, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), reactive oxygen species proto-oncogene (ROS1), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the adequacy of EBUS-TBNA-derived tissue for molecular analysis.

METHODS

We searched the MEDLINE, LILACS, www.clinicaltrials.gov , and Epistemonikos databases through January 2018.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two independent reviewers performed the data search, quality assessment, and data extraction. We included both prospective and retrospective studies; risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBINS-I tool. The primary outcome was the proportion of adequate samples obtained by EBUS-TBNA for molecular analysis. Data were pooled by using a binary random effects model. Finally, evidence was rated by using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach.

RESULTS

A total of 33 studies including 2,698 participants were analyzed. In 28 studies that evaluated EBUS-TBNA for the identification of EGFR mutations, the pooled probability of obtaining a sufficient sample was 94.5% (95% confidence interval CI], 93.2-96.4%). For identification of ALK mutations, the pooled probability was 94.9% (95% CI, 89.4-98.8%). Finally, the prevalence of EGFR mutation was 15.8% (95% CI, 12.1-19.4%), and the prevalence of ALK mutation was 2.77% (95% CI, 1.0-4.8%). Data for ROS1 and PD-L1 mutations were not suitable for meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

EBUS-TBNA has a high yield for molecular analysis of both EGFR and ALK mutations. However, the suitability of TBNA samples for next-generation sequencing is uncertain and should be explored in further studies. Clinical trial registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017080008).

Adequacy of endosonography-derived samples from peribronchial or periesophageal intrapulmonary lesions for the molecular profiling of lung cancer

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Endosonography is increasingly used for the diagnosis of centrally located, bronchoscopically invisible intrapulmonary lesions, but data regarding its utility for molecular profiling are lacking. We aimed to assess the suitability of endosonography samples obtained from intrapulmonary lesions for cancer genotyping and programmed-death ligand 1 (PD-L1) testing.

METHODS

A prospectively collected database regarding 99 consecutive patients undergoing endosonography for the diagnosis of an intrapulmonary lesion was retrospectively reviewed. Genotyping ± PD-L1 testing was carried out in the 53 patients with advanced lung cancer and was classified as complete if all clinically indicated tests could be performed, incomplete if at least one test could not be carried out, and unsuccessful if the sample was unsuitable for molecular analysis.

RESULTS

All clinically indicated biomarkers could be tested in 44 (83%) patients, whereas the molecular profiling was classified as incomplete in 6 (11.3%), and unsuccessful in 3 (5.7%). Thirty-seven genetic alterations (KRAS mutation, 17; EGFR mutation, 17; ALK rearrangement, 3) and 2 cases of PD-L1 expression >50% were found in 31 (58%) patients. EGFR was successfully analysed in 94.1% of cases, KRAS in 93.9%, ALK in 89%, ROS1 in 90% and PD-L1 in 63.1%.

CONCLUSION

Endosonography-derived samples from intrapulmonary lesions were suitable for a thorough molecular profiling in most patients. The few cases of incomplete accomplishment of the testing algorithm were related to the failure of PD-L1 analysis due to the exhaustion of the sample or the lack of sufficient tumour cells in the paraffin-embedded material.

Waste not, want not: diagnostic material found in suction syringe aspirate during endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration

Background

Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a frequently performed procedure. Suction is utilized during this procedure and may occasionally result in the collection of aspirated material, the diagnostic utility of which is uncertain. This study aims to determine the contents of the suction syringe aspirate and its diagnostic value.

Methods

The suction syringe aspirate was pooled in a container and sent for analysis. We retrospectively reviewed the cytological outcomes of these specimens in comparison to the diagnosis determined by EBUS-TBNA between 2015-2018. The primary outcome was the percent agreement between the diagnostic material found in the suction syringe aspirate, and the final diagnosis established by EBUS-TBNA.

Results

Forty-four patients were included. Percent agreement was calculated as the percent in which the suction syringe aspirate diagnosis agreed with the EBUS-TBNA diagnosis. The percent agreement of any diagnosis was 90.9% (95% CI: 78.7-97.2%). Two of the 44 diagnoses (4.5%) were established based solely on the suction syringe aspirate, both cases of granulomatous inflammation.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that material collected in the suction syringe has a very high percent agreement with the final diagnosis established by EBUS-TBNA. Furthermore, the suction syringe aspirate may represent the sole diagnostic material in nearly 5% of cases. Given the additional diagnostic material in the suction syringe aspirate, it is reasonable to pool the aspirate with the primary specimen in an effort to enrich the overall diagnostic specimen. This practice may improve the likelihood that the specimen will be sufficient for additional molecular analysis, although further study is necessary. Care must be taken when more than one needle is involved to ensure that a new suction syringe is also used to avoid inadvertent upstaging by specimen contamination.

Conventional transbronchial needle aspiration is promising for identifying EGFR mutations in lung adenocarcinoma

Background

Conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is advantageous for the one‐step diagnosis and staging of lung adenocarcinoma under topical anesthesia and conscious sedation. We examined its efficacy for identifying EGFR mutations.

Methods

Forty‐seven patients with proven or suspected lung adenocarcinoma indicated for hilar‐mediastinal lymph node (LN) staging between June 2011 and December 2017 were enrolled. The cellblock was prepared using the plasma‐thrombin method. TaqMan PCR was used to detect mutations. Considering cost effectiveness, only the sample with the highest tumor cell fraction in the same patient was chosen for analysis.

Results

TBNA provided positive results of malignancy in 27 patients. Seventeen patients (63.0%) had cellblocks eligible for mutation testing. Bronchial biopsy (n = 6), neck LN fine needle aspiration (n = 1), and brushing (n = 1), provided higher tumor cell fractions for analysis in eight patients. TBNA was the exclusive method used in nine patients (19.1%). For patients with an inadequate TBNA cellblock, bronchial biopsy (n = 5), neck LN fine needle aspiration (n = 3), computed tomography‐guided transthoracic needle biopsy (n = 1), and brushing (n = 1) were used for analysis. Modification to specimen processing to prevent exhaustion by cytology after June 2016 improved the adequacy of cellblock samples (9/10, 90% vs. 8/17, 47.1%; P = 0.042).

Conclusions

These findings suggest the promising role of conventional TBNA and highlight the challenges of doing more with less in an era of precision medicine.

Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Use for Subclassification and Genotyping of Lung Non-Small-Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is the primary method for the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess the yield of EBUS-TBNA in the subtyping and genotyping of lung adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Sixty-nine patients at Indiana University Hospital and Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Hospital with possible or confirmed lung adenocarcinoma underwent EBUS-TBNA using a 21-gauge Olympus needle without suction. Samples were sent for molecular testing after rapid onsite specimen evaluation. A total of 6 to 10 passes were placed in a cell block.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine samples from patients with non-small-cell lung cancer were sent for molecular testing for epidermal growth factor receptor. Results were obtained in all of the patients. Mutations were found in three patients (4.3%). Fifty-eight samples were sent for V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (100% yield), 10 of which had mutations (17.2%). Fifty-one samples were sent for proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase ROS testing (1 [7.8%] mutant). Tissue samples were inadequate in three patients (94.1% yield). Sixty-three samples were sent for anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase testing (3 [4.8%] mutant, 6 [9.5%] inadequate, 90.5% yield).

CONCLUSIONS

EBUS-TBNA with a 21-gauge needle is appropriate for the analysis of multiple mutations and the genotyping of lung adenocarcinoma.

[Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration for The Diagnosis and Genotyping of Lung Cancer]

背景与目的

超声气管镜针吸活检（endobronchial ultrasound guided tranbronchial needle aspiration, EBUS-TBNA）是临床怀疑肺癌患者的常用活检方式，在肺癌的诊断和分期中有着举足轻重的作用。然而该活检方式在诊断之余是否亦能提供充分的组织完成基因检测尚待研究。本文评价EBUS-TBNA所取得标本进行肺癌诊断及相关基因检测的可行性。

方法

对纵隔淋巴结肿大且临床怀疑肺癌诊断的患者进行EBUS-TBNA活检，所取得的标本进行病理诊断并对其中的非鳞非小细胞肺癌标本进行驱动基因检测。分析其诊断阳性率以及完成基因检测的可行性。

结果

入选377例患者平均单个淋巴结穿刺2.07针，确诊肺癌213例，经EBUS-TBNA诊断率92%。其中表皮生长因子受体（epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR）基因、间变淋巴瘤激酶（anaplasticlymphoma kinase, ALK）融合基因、以及同时完成两个基因检测的患者分别为84例（90%）、105例（96%）及79例（90%）。单因素分析显示组织基因检测成功率与穿刺淋巴结针数、淋巴结大小及淋巴结部位无关，但与肿瘤病理类型相关。腺癌病理类型的EGFR基因突变及ALK融合基因检测的成功率均高于未分类非小细胞肺癌。

结论

EBUS-TBNA可提供充足的组织对肺癌进行诊断和基因分型。肿瘤病理类型可能是影响基因检测阳性率的因素。

Accuracy of rapid on-site evaluation of endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspirates by respiratory registrars in training and medical scientists compared to specialist pathologists-an initial pilot study

Background

Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspirates (EBUS-TBNA) increases diagnostic accuracy but in many institutions requires a specialist pathologist. This study aimed to determine if medical scientists or respiratory registrars could adequately perform ROSE to determine sufficiency of EBUS samples.

Methods

ROSE was performed on the first two EBUS-TBNA passes per patient by a pathologist, a medical scientist and two respiratory registrars. The medical scientists involved had all previously performed ROSE on over 50 procedures. The two respiratory registrars received cytology education from a pathologist in four separate hour-long training sessions. Each ROSE reviewer recorded whether each sample was sufficient or insufficient. Pathologist interpretation was taken as gold standard. Specific diagnosis was not required. Final diagnosis and the total number of passes were also recorded. This study recruited 25 patients (50 passes) for statistical evaluation.

Results

Assessment by specialist pathologists deemed 16/50 (32%) to be sufficient and 34/50 (68%) insufficient respectively. Medical scientists were 90% concordant with the pathologist (K =0.774; 95% CI, 0.587-0.961). The two respiratory registrars were 78% (K =0.568; 95% CI, 0.338-0.798) and 72% (K =0.448; 95% CI, 0.222-0.674) concordant, respectively. The mean number of passes per patient was 4.9 (range, 3-7). A diagnosis was established in 21/25 (82%) patients from the first EBUS-TBNA procedures with the remaining four patients requiring a further procedure or monitoring with serial CT scans to establish the diagnosis. Malignancy was found in 14/25 (56%) patients and a benign process in 11/25 (44%) patients.

Conclusions

Medical scientist review of ROSE samples is not significantly different to a specialist pathologist and is an acceptable alternative. Respiratory registrars are not a realistic alternative for ROSE without more intensive training, which may be difficult to facilitate in addition to existing respiratory training commitments.

Conventional Transbronchial Needle Aspiration: The Original Guard Who Still Has a Role in Mediastinal Lymph Node Sampling

INTRODUCTION

Conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (C-TBNA) is the originally described method for sampling mediastinal lymph nodes (MLN). After the advent of endobronchial ultrasound, the practice and reports of C-TBNA have dwindled. We report a large series of C-TBNA from the Indian subcontinent, highlighting aspects such as pathological spectrum, yield and complications, and reiterating its relevance in MLN sampling.

METHODS

The study population included 400 consecutive patients over 6.8 years who had C-TBNA done for MLN ≥1 cm in size. C-TBNA was done using a 19-G needle, with conscious sedation. A maximum of 7 passes per node were done. Rapid-on-site evaluation was done in >95% cases. Lymph nodes sampled were labeled "adequate" if lymphocytes were present, and "diagnostic" if a definitive diagnosis was made.

RESULTS

The study included 228 males and 172 females, mean age 49.4±14.7 years. The "adequacy" rate was 383/400 (95.75%), and "diagnostic" yield was 347/400 (86.75%). C-TBNA was the sole diagnostic modality in 215/400 (53.75%) patients. The diagnoses included tuberculosis (43%), sarcoidosis (25.5%) and malignancy (18.25%). Complications were rare.

CONCLUSIONS

This is one of the largest studies of C-TBNA in literature, and one of the few studies to define accurate pathologic diagnosis of enlarged MLN in India. This is also the one of the largest series to define the yield of TBNA with rapid-on-site evaluation in MLN sampling. Currently, in many parts of the world, C-TBNA is still the most common MLN sampling procedure, from an availability, expertise, economic, and safety perspective.

Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration With a 19-G Needle Device

BACKGROUND

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial needle aspiration is a well-established first-line minimally invasive modality for mediastinal lymph node sampling. Although results are excellent overall, the technique underperforms in certain situations. We aimed to describe our results using a new 19-G EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration device to determine safety and feasibility of this approach.

METHODS

We completed a retrospective chart review of all cases performed to the time of data analysis at each of 3 study sites.

RESULTS

A total of 165 procedures were performed with a total of 297 individual lymph nodes or lesions sampled with the 19-G device by 10 bronchoscopists. Relatively large targets were selected for sampling with the device (mean lymph node size: 20.4 mm; lung lesions: 33.5 mm). A specific diagnosis was obtained in 77.3% of cases with an additional 13.6% of cases with benign lymphocytes, for a procedural adequacy rate of 90.9%. Procedure sample adequacy was 88.6% in suspected malignant cases, 91.0% in suspected sarcoidosis/lymphadenopathy cases, and 85.7% of cases with suspected lymphoma. On a per-node basis, a specific diagnosis was noted in 191/280 (68.2%) of samples, with an additional 61 showing benign lymphocytes for a per-node sample adequacy rate of 90%. One case (0.6%) of intraprocedure bleeding was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

A new flexible 19-G EBUS needle was successfully and safely applied in a large patient cohort for sampling of lung and enlarged mediastinal lesions with high diagnostic rates across clinical indications.

Identification of oestrogen, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression in mediastinal metastases of breast cancer obtained by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration

BACKGROUND

In breast cancer patients, the expression statuses of oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) are crucial in the choice of treatment. Receptor expression in metastatic lesions can differ from the primary tumour. The aim of our study was to analyse the utility of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) to obtain samples allowing the identification of ER, PR and HER2 expression in patients with mediastinal metastases of breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The clinical files of all patients with a final diagnosis of breast cancer mediastinal metastases diagnosed by EBUS-TBNA in our institution were retrospectively analysed. The ability of EBUS-TBNA to obtain samples that allowed hormone receptor and HER2 expression analysis was calculated.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients were included. ER, PR and HER2 assessments could be performed in 22, 20 and 22 patients, respectively. In 20 of the 24 patients it was possible to investigate all three types of receptor expression. In the remaining four cases, where ER, PR or HER2 expression tests could not be performed, it was due to a lack of tissue. In cases with adequate results for EBUS-TBNA and the primary tumour agreement was greater for ER (16/19) and HER2 (12/14) than PR (8/17). Based on receptor status, there was a change in the choice of treatment for five patients.

CONCLUSION

In patients with breast cancer mediastinal metastases, ER, PR and HER2 expression can be assessed in samples obtained by EBUS-TBNA whenever a sufficient tissue sample is collected.

Assessment of EGFR mutation status using cell-free DNA from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid

BACKGROUND

Much attention has been focused on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation testing since the introduction of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors have improved survival in EGFR-positive lung cancer patients. Liquid biopsy using circulating tumor cells or cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has enabled less invasive testing, but requires a highly sensitive method. To date, liquid biopsy using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid has rarely been used.

METHODS

From 20 patients with lung adenocarcinoma, we isolated cfDNA from 20 samples of cell-free BAL fluid and 19 cell-free bronchial washing samples. cfDNA was examined for EGFR mutations using peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-mediated PCR clamping method. In cases where the results from the tumor biopsy and BAL-derived cfDNA test were not consistent, PANAMutyper™ R EGFR kit was used along with PNA clamping-assisted fluorescence melting curve analysis.

RESULTS

We included 17 patients with advanced stage disease and three with non-advanced stage disease. Tumor biopsy detected EGFR mutations in 12 of the patients. One patient had a p.L858R mutation and a de novo p.T790M mutation. The results from PNA-mediated PCR clamping were 75.0% (9/12) concordant with the tumor biopsy results for EGFR mutation status. PANAMutyper with fluorescence melting curve analysis was performed in three cases, which detected EGFR mutations in two more patients (11/12, 91.7%). EGFR mutations were detected in the cfDNA extracted from two bronchial washing samples.

CONCLUSIONS

cfDNA from BAL fluid could be used for molecular testing of EGFR mutations and identification of p.T790M mutations, with an easily applicable method.

Endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration combining with immunohistochemistry and genotype in lung cancer: A single-center, 55 cases retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of EBUS-TNA for mediastinal mass or suspected lung cancer patients with mediastinal or hilar lymph node enlarged. Further to investigate the clinical value of EBUS-TBNA combining with immunohistochemistry and genotype in lung cancer.

METHODS

A total of 55 patients with mediastinal, and/or hilar lymphadenopathy, and/or mediastinal mass previously detected by CT or PET/CT scan and who underwent EBUS-TBNA. An additional immunohistological analysis was performed for establishing a reliable diagnosis and sub classification when necessary. Some samples were tested for the EGFR and/or ALK mutations to provide suitable mutational genotyping for adenocarcinoma by using the PCR assays.

RESULTS

Of the 55 patients, the sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of lung cancer were 92.5% (37/40) and 94.5% (52/55), respectively. 37 samples were further confirmed and obtained particular type by Immunohistochemistry. 6 cases of EBUS-TBNA samples from patients with lung adenocarcinoma referred for EGFR testing were analyzed, 4 patients were found to have EGFR gene mutations. The procedure was uneventful without any complications.

CONCLUSION

EBUS-TBNA is a safe and efficient method with high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of lung cancer. Uniquely combining with Immunohistochemistry and molecular testing has significant clinical value in subtype diagnosis and guiding the treatment strategy in lung cancer.

Evaluating the Genomic Yield of a Single Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration in Lung Cancer: Meeting the Challenge of Doing More With Less

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive techniques, including endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), yield small specimens that are adequate for cytologic diagnosis of lung cancer, but also need to provide material for molecular analysis to guide treatment. The number of EBUS-TBNA passes needed for mutation testing remains unclear. We sought to assess the adequacy of a single pass for genomic profiling of actionable mutations.

METHODS

In a prospective observational study, paired samples from the same lesion were obtained from patients undergoing EBUS-TBNA for lung cancer diagnosis/staging. Following tumor cell confirmation by rapid on-site evaluation, a "reference" sample comprising ≥ 3 passes was obtained and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded. A "study" sample comprising a single pass was taken and snap-frozen. The primary outcome was DNA yield and quality from a single pass. The secondary outcome was diagnostic accuracy of a single pass for detecting actionable mutations.

RESULTS

In 40 patients, single-pass specimens yielded a mean 3.98 μg of highly intact DNA, well above the minimum threshold for targeted sequencing, which was performed in adenocarcinoma cases (n = 24). In 23 cases, there was 100% agreement in mutation status between reference and study samples. In 1 case, the reference sample failed to generate a molecular diagnosis owing to insufficient tumor cells; however, the study specimen identified a KRAS mutation. Tumor cell percentage in mutation-positive specimens was 1% to 70%, suggesting that single-pass samples detect mutations even when tumor cell content is low.

CONCLUSION

Single EBUS-TBNA passes yield DNA of high quantity and quality with high accuracy for molecular profiling, irrespective of tumor cell content.

Comparison of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations between Metastatic Lymph Node Diagnosed by EBUS-TBNA and Primary Tumor in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction

Although the use of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is increasing for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) testing in lung cancer, the discordance rate in EGFR mutations between lymph node (LN) samples obtained by EBUS-TBNA and primary tumor (PT) is not well known. Thus, we compared the EGFR mutation status of LN samples obtained by EBUS-TBNA and PTs to estimate the efficacy of using EBUS-TBNA specimens for EGFR testing in advanced, non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Materials and Methods

Using data of patients from the EBUS-TBNA database (N = 1914) obtained between January 2009 and January 2013, we identified 100 treatment-naïve, advanced, non-squamous NSCLC patients (stage 3 and 4) with matched LN specimens obtained by EBUS-TBNA and PT specimens. Of these, 74 patients with paired specimens were feasible for EGFR mutation analysis, which we performed using a direct sequencing method.

Results

Of the 74 cases, at least one major [exon 19 deleted (19del) and L858R] or minor (T790M, exon 20 insertion, and other point mutations) EGFR mutation was detected in 31 cases (41.9%), which included PT (n = 31, 41.9%) and LN (n = 28, 37.8%) specimens. Major mutations were detected in 25 PT (33.8%, 19del = 13, L858R = 12) and 22 LN (29.8%, 19del = 11, L858R = 11) specimens. The discordance rate in major mutations between matched PT and LN specimens was 4.1% (3/74). Among minor mutations, T790M was detected in LN specimen only in 2 cases with L858R in PT and LN. The discordance rate major and minor EGFR mutations combined between matched PT and LN specimens was 12% (9/74).

Conclusions

We observed a high concordance rate of major EGFR mutations between matched LN specimens sampled by EBUS-TBNA and PTs, suggesting that LN samples obtained by EBUS-TBNA from advanced non-squamous NSCLC patients are effective for use in EGFR mutation testing.

Cell block samples from endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration provide sufficient material for ancillary testing in lung cancer-a quaternary referral centre experience

BACKGROUND

Rapid on site examination (ROSE) is encouraged at endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needles aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) to improve diagnostic yield. Due to new therapeutic options in lung cancer, it is not sufficient to merely distinguish between non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) distinction is now standard practice, as well as additional molecular testing where clinically indicated. We investigated the diagnostic yield of on-site smears vs. cell block and the provision of cellular material for ancillary testing at our centre.

METHODS

A retrospective audit of all EBUS-TBNA procedures performed until July 2012 was undertaken. Diagnostic yield on smears versus cell block was recorded. Cell blocks were reviewed by an experienced pathologist to determine diagnostic accuracy and whether IHC and molecular testing were possible.

RESULTS

In total, 234 procedures were recorded with 101 (43.2%) malignant cases, 107 (45.7%) benign cases and an initial 26/234 (11.1%) insufficient for diagnosis of which 11/234 (4.7%) were false negatives for malignancy after further follow up. The average number of passes was 4.5. For malignancies, smear diagnosis was possible in 95% (96/101) of cases and cell block diagnosis in 93.5% (87/93) of cases. There was sufficient material for IHC in 97.7% (85/87) of malignant cases. In 79.3% (69/87) of NSCLCs molecular testing for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation analysis was theoretically possible on samples obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

Cell blocks are not inferior to smears for diagnostic accuracy and provide sufficient samples for histology. However, ROSE assists the physician on how best to manage samples for ancillary testing.

Re-biopsy by endobronchial ultrasound procedures for mutation analysis of non-small cell lung cancer after EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment

Background

Re-biopsy for resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) is important for selection of better therapy, but there have been no reports about the utility of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided procedures for such purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of EBUS-guided re-biopsy for resistant NSCLC after treatment with EGFR-TKIs.

Methods

From January 2013 to December 2015, 53 consecutive patients who underwent EBUS-guided re-biopsy for mutation analysis of NSCLC after EGFR-TKI treatment were assessed.

Results

Nine patients underwent EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and 44 patients underwent EBUS with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS) transbronchial biopsy. The technical success rates were 100 %. As for mutation analysis, all 9 specimens (100 %) from EBUS-TBNA and 33 specimens (75.0 %) from EBUS-GS were adequate for gene profiling. The remaining 11 specimens from EBUS-GS procedures were inadequate for mutation analysis owing to the absence of tumor component in the sample (n = 6) or insufficient specimen (n = 5). There were no related severe complications.

Conclusions

Re-biopsy by both EBUS-TBNA and EBUS-GS were useful and safe sampling procedures for mutation analysis of EGFR-TKI resistant NSCLC.

Epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma patients in Kuwait

CONTEXT

Nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is the most frequently diagnosed form of lung cancer in Kuwait. NSCLC samples from Kuwait have never been screened for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene aberration, which is known to affect treatment options.

AIMS

This study investigated the feasibility of using fine-needle aspiration (FNA) material for mutational screening, and whether common EGFR mutations are present in NSCLC samples from Kuwait.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Eighteen NSCLC samples from five Kuwaitis and 13 non-Kuwaitis were included in this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DNA was extracted from FNA cell blocks and screened for EGFR gene mutations using peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-clamp assay, and EGFR gene amplification using fluorescent in situ hybridization (EGFR-FISH). EGFR protein expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Five EGFR mutations were detected in five non-Kuwaiti NSCLC patients (27.8%). EGFR gene amplification was evident in 10 samples (55.5%) by direct amplification or under the influence of chromosomal polysomy. Four samples had EGFR mutations and EGFR gene amplification, out of which only one sample had coexisting EGFR overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the evidence of EGFR gene alterations occurring in NSCLC patients in Kuwait, there is a need to incorporate EGFR gene mutational screen for NSCLC patients to implement its consequent use in patient treatment.

A single EBUS-TBNA procedure can support a large panel of immunohistochemical stains, specific diagnostic subtyping, and multiple gene analyses in the majority of non-small cell lung cancer cases

Targeted therapies for pulmonary adenocarcinoma (ACA) necessitate specific subtyping and molecular testing of non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). However, endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has decreased the tissue available for these assessments. While EBUS-TBNA specimens have previously been reported to successfully subtype NSCLC, allow immunohistochemistry (IHC), and support molecular diagnostics, no studies have documented the extent to which all objectives are possible in a single sample. Of 107 consecutive EBUS-TBNA specimens that were eligible for molecular testing, 98.8% had enough tissue for IHC, 80.2% received a definitive subtype, and 71.0% had both sufficient tissue to attempt molecular testing and technical success on multigene next-generation sequencing and ALK fluorescence in situ hybridization assays. Both subtyping and molecular diagnostics were possible in 57.9% of patients. The mean number of immunostains performed did not differ between patients with or without successful molecular testing (4.4 versus 4.6, P = .88). Only 40% of patients with insufficient tissue underwent repeat sampling. These findings indicate that a majority of EBUS-TBNA specimens provide sufficient tissue for subtyping pulmonary NSCLC, performing IHC, and completing multiple gene analyses. Although priorities must be assessed for each case individually, performance of IHC does not detract from completion of molecular diagnostics in general. Because most patients never undergo repeat sampling, the tissue yield of EBUS-TBNA should be improved to maximize evaluation for targeted therapies.

Technical Aspects of Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report

BACKGROUND

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) was introduced in the last decade, enabling real-time guidance of transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) of mediastinal and hilar structures and parabronchial lung masses. The many publications produced about EBUS-TBNA have led to a better understanding of the performance characteristics of this procedure. The goal of this document was to examine the current literature on the technical aspects of EBUS-TBNA as they relate to patient, technology, and proceduralist factors to provide evidence-based and expert guidance to clinicians.

METHODS

Rigorous methodology has been applied to provide a trustworthy evidence-based guideline and expert panel report. A group of approved panelists developed key clinical questions by using the PICO (population, intervention, comparator, and outcome) format that addressed specific topics on the technical aspects of EBUS-TBNA. MEDLINE (via PubMed) and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for relevant literature, which was supplemented by manual searches. References were screened for inclusion, and well-recognized document evaluation tools were used to assess the quality of included studies, to extract meaningful data, and to grade the level of evidence to support each recommendation or suggestion.

RESULTS

Our systematic review and critical analysis of the literature on 15 PICO questions related to the technical aspects of EBUS-TBNA resulted in 12 statements: 7 evidence-based graded recommendations and 5 ungraded consensus-based statements. Three questions did not have sufficient evidence to generate a statement.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence on the technical aspects of EBUS-TBNA varies in strength but is satisfactory in certain areas to guide clinicians on the best conditions to perform EBUS-guided tissue sampling. Additional research is needed to enhance our knowledge regarding the optimal performance of this effective procedure.

Adequacy of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration samples processed as histopathological samples for genetic mutation analysis in lung adenocarcinoma

Phenotyping non-small-cell lung cancer is becoming increasingly important with the advent of molecular testing. Tumours harbouring somatic mutations in the gene that encodes for the tyrosine kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been found to increase responsiveness to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive technique for mediastinal node sampling. The available prospective data on EBUS-TBNA sample suitability for molecular profiling are currently limited. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the adequacy of EBUS-TBNA samples for EGFR and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) genetic mutation analysis in confirmed primary lung adenocarcinomas. We conducted a prospective analysis of 410 consecutive patients referred for EBUS-TBNA between 2010 and 2014. Rapid on-site cytological evaluation was not used. The samples were obtained using 21-gauge (21G) or 22G needles and were prepared as histopathological samples. A total of 91 samples were confirmed as lung adenocarcinomas and 80 of these samples were sent for EGFR mutation analysis. EBUS-TBNA had a diagnostic accuracy of 98.3% for malignancy. EGFR mutation testing was possible in 79/80 cases (98.75%). EGFR mutations were detected in 5/80 (6.3%) samples. ALK gene analysis, which became available during the study period, was requested and successfully performed in 21/21 samples (100%). The total combined genotyping success rate was 100/101 (99.0%). This UK study confirmed the high clinical utility of EBUS-TBNA samples processed as histopathological specimens for EGFR and ALK genotyping in primary lung adenocarcinoma. The needle gauge did not affect genotyping efficacy.

Randomized Trial of Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration With and Without Rapid On-site Evaluation for Lung Cancer Genotyping

BACKGROUND

Experts and scientific society guidelines recommend that rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) be used with endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) to optimize lung cancer genotyping, but no comparative trial has been carried out to confirm and quantify its usefulness.

METHODS

To assess the influence of ROSE on the yield of EBUS-TBNA for a multigene molecular analysis of lung cancer samples, consecutive patients with suspected or known advanced lung cancer were randomized to undergo EBUS-TBNA without ROSE (EBUS arm) or with ROSE (ROSE arm). The primary end point was the rate of the successful accomplishment of the institution's clinical protocol for molecular profiling of nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (EGFR and KRAS testing, followed by ALK testing for tumors with EGFR and KRAS wild-type status).

RESULTS

Complete genotyping was achieved in 108 of 126 patients (85.7%) (90.8% in the ROSE arm vs 80.3% in the EBUS arm, P = .09). The patients in the ROSE arm were less likely to have samples that could be used only for pathologic diagnosis because of minimal tumor burden (0 vs 6, P = .05), and were more likely to have the bronchoscopy terminated after a single biopsy site (58.9% vs 44.1%, P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

ROSE prevents the need for a repeat invasive diagnostic procedure aimed at molecular profiling in at least one out of 10 patients with advanced lung cancer and significantly reduces the risk of retrieving samples that can be used only for pathologic subtyping because of minimal tumor burden.

TRIAL REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT01799382; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Efficient utilization of EBUS-TBNA samples for both diagnosis and molecular analyses

BACKGROUND

The assessment of an increasing number of molecular markers is becoming a standard requirement from endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) specimens. However, it is unclear how many needle passes should be performed and the amount of lung cancer cells that should be sent for molecular analyses. The objective of this study was to determine if it is feasible to divide the material obtained by EBUS-TBNA to allow for molecular analysis without compromising the accuracy of mediastinal staging.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine if dividing EBUS-TBNA specimens has a negative impact on either histopathological diagnosis or molecular analysis.

METHODS

EBUS-TBNA was performed in 249 enlarged lymph nodes. Negative or ambiguous histopathological results were confirmed by surgical means and clinical follow-up over 6 months. The tissue obtained by EBUS-TBNA was placed onto a glass slide and divided for histopathological workup and molecular analysis. The number of passes was recorded. Both the accuracy of the mediastinal lymph node staging and the applicability of the sample division for molecular analysis were assessed.

RESULTS

Each lymph node was punctured an average of 3.18 times and division of the obtained material for diagnosis and molecular analysis was feasible in all cases. The sensitivity and accuracy of the mediastinal lymph node staging were 96.6% and 97.6%, respectively. A cytokeratin (CK)-19-mRNA concentration-based molecular test was feasible in 74.1% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Dividing EBUS-TBNA samples for both histopathological diagnosis and molecular testing is feasible and does not compromise the accuracy of mediastinal staging. This method may be an alternative to taking additional needle passes for molecular analyses.

Guideline for the acquisition and preparation of conventional and endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration specimens for the diagnosis and molecular testing of patients with known or suspected lung cancer

RATIONALE

Conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-TBNA are widely accepted tools for the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer and the initial procedure of choice for staging. Obtaining adequate specimens is key to provide a specific histologic and molecular diagnosis of lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES

To develop practice guidelines on the acquisition and preparation of conventional TBNA and EBUS-TBNA specimens for the diagnosis and molecular testing of (suspected) lung cancer. We hope to improve the global unification of procedure standards, maximize the yield and identify areas for research.

METHODS

Systematic electronic database searches were conducted to identify relevant studies for inclusion in the guideline [PubMed and the Cochrane Library (including the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)].

MAIN RESULTS

The number of needle aspirations with both conventional TBNA and EBUS-TBNA was found to impact the diagnostic yield, with at least 3 passes needed for optimal performance. Neither needle gauge nor the use of miniforceps, the use of suction or the type of sedation/anesthesia has been found to improve the diagnostic yield for lung cancer. The use of rapid on-site cytology examination does not increase the diagnostic yield. Molecular analysis (i.e. EGFR, KRAS and ALK) can be routinely performed on the majority of cytological samples obtained by EBUS-TBNA and conventional TBNA. There does not appear to be a superior method for specimen preparation (i.e. slide staining, cell blocks or core tissue). It is likely that optimal specimen preparation may vary between institutions depending on the expertise of pathology colleagues.

Staging lung cancer: role of endobronchial ultrasound

Accurate staging is the first step in the management of lung cancer. Nodal staging is quite important for physicians to be able to judge the primary operability of patients harboring no distant metastasis. For many years, mediastinoscopy has been considered a "gold standard" modality for nodal staging. Mediastinoscopy is known to be a highly sensitive procedure for mediastinal staging and has been performed worldwide, but is invasive. Because of this, clinicians have sought a less invasive modality for nodal staging. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive modality for diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. EBUS-TBNA is a needle biopsy procedure that has accessibility compatible with the reach of the convex-probe EBUS scope, so N1 nodes are also assessable. The diagnostic yield is similar to that of mediastinoscopy, and the core obtained by the dedicated needle biopsy can be used for histological assessment to determine the subtypes of lung cancer. The samples can also be used to test for various biomarkers using immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction for DNA/complementary DNA, and in situ hybridization, and the technique is useful for selecting candidates for specific molecular-targeted therapeutic agents. According to the newly published American College of Chest Physicians guideline, EBUS-TBNA is now considered "the best first test" for nodal staging in patients with radiologically suspicious nodes. Appropriate training and thorough clinical experience is required to be able to perform correct nodal staging using this procedure.

Optimizing tissue sampling for the diagnosis, subtyping, and molecular analysis of lung cancer

Lung cancer has entered the era of personalized therapy with histologic subclassification and the presence of molecular biomarkers becoming increasingly important in therapeutic algorithms. At the same time, biopsy specimens are becoming increasingly smaller as diagnostic algorithms seek to establish diagnosis and stage with the least invasive techniques. Here, we review techniques used in the diagnosis of lung cancer including bronchoscopy, ultrasound-guided bronchoscopy, transthoracic needle biopsy, and thoracoscopy. In addition to discussing indications and complications, we focus our discussion on diagnostic yields and the feasibility of testing for molecular biomarkers such as epidermal growth factor receptor and anaplastic lymphoma kinase, emphasizing the importance of a sufficient tumor biopsy.

[Advances in respiratory health 2010: Techniques and Transplantation Section]

Five articles and an editorial on interventional pneumology were published in Archivos de Bronconeumología. Two of these articles deal with bronchoscopy, one with lung biopsy with cryoprobes, one with thermoplasty in asthma and the last with tracheobronchomalacia. We also review several publications in international journals, with special emphasis on endobronchial ultrasound. Four original articles on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were published in Archivos de Bronconeumología: one special article comparing two treatments and a Cochrane systematic review on the efficacy of non-steroidal drugs in this disease. Finally, we highlight studies in lung transplantation, consisting of 14 publications from different continents and with highly diverse contents: one editorial, one letter to the editor, one procedures manual and nine international publications on donor characteristics, various types of complications, experimental results in the field of preservation, and the casuistics obtained in distinct diseases in which transplantation is an option.

Role of the pulmonologist in ordering post-procedure molecular markers in non-small-cell lung cancer: implications for personalized medicine

In the growing era of personalized medicine for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), it is becoming increasingly important that sufficient quality and quantity of tumor tissue are available for morphologic diagnosis and molecular analysis. As new treatment options emerge that might require more frequent and possibly higher volume biopsies, the role of the pulmonologist will expand, and it will be important for pulmonologists to work within a multidisciplinary team to provide optimal therapeutic management for patients with NSCLC. In this review, we discuss the rationale for individualized treatment decisions for patients with NSCLC, molecular pathways and specific molecular predictors relevant to personalized NSCLC therapy, assay technologies for molecular marker analysis, and specifics regarding tumor specimen selection, acquisition, and handling. Moreover, we briefly address issues regarding racial and socioeconomic disparities as they relate to molecular testing and treatment decisions, and cost considerations for molecular testing and targeted therapies in NSCLC. We also propose a model for an institution-based multidisciplinary team, including oncologists, pathologists, pulmonologists, interventional radiologists, and thoracic surgeons, to ensure adequate material is available for cytological and histological studies and to standardize methods of tumor specimen handling and processing in an effort to provide beneficial, individualized therapy for patients with NSCLC.

Diagnostic bronchoscopy--current and future perspectives

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Standard bronchoscopy has limited ability to accurately localise and biopsy pulmonary lesions that cannot be directly visualised. The field of advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy is rapidly evolving due to advances in electronics and miniaturisation. Bronchoscopes with smaller outer working diameters, coupled with miniature radial and convex ultrasound probes, allow accurate central and peripheral pulmonary lesion localisation and biopsy while at the same time avoiding vascular structures. Increases in computational processing power allow three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomographic raw data to enable virtual bronchoscopy (VB), providing the bronchoscopist with a preview of the bronchoscopy prior to the procedure. Navigational bronchoscopy enables targeting of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) via a "roadmap", similar to in-car global positioning systems. Analysis of lesions on a cellular level is now possible with techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal microscopy (CM). All these tools will hopefully allow earlier and safer lung cancer diagnosis and in turn better patient outcomes. This article describes these new bronchoscopic techniques and reviews the relevant literature.

Adequacy of lymph node transbronchial needle aspirates using convex probe endobronchial ultrasound for multiple tumor genotyping techniques in non-small-cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

Adequate tumor acquisition is essential to identify somatic molecular alterations in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) translocations. The success and failure rates for tumor genotyping of tissue obtained from fine-needle aspirates of nodal tissue using a convex probe endobronchial ultrasound (CP-EBUS) and other diagnostic modalities in routine NSCLC care have not been described.

METHODS

Clinicopathologic data, tumor genotype success and failure rates were retrospectively compiled and analyzed from 207 patient-tumor samples sent for routine tumor genotype in clinical practice, including 42 patient-tumor samples obtained from hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes using CP-EBUS.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 65 years, 62.3% were women, 77.8% were white, 26.6% were never smokers, 73.9% had advanced NSCLC, and 84.1% had adenocarcinoma histology. Tumor tissue was obtained from CP-EBUS-derived hilar or mediastinal nodes in 42 cases (20.2% of total). In this latter cohort, the overall success rate for EGFR mutation analysis was 95.2%, for Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutation 90.5%, and for ALK fluorescence in situ hybridization 90.5%. In the complete 207 tumors, the success rate for EGFR was 92.3%, for KRAS 91.8%, and for ALK 89.9%. The failure rates were not significantly different when comparing CP-EBUS-derived nodal tissue versus all other samples or versus surgical biopsies of mediastinal nodes, but were significantly lower than image-guided percutaneous transthoracic core-needle biopsies.

CONCLUSIONS

The success rate of multiple tumor genomic analyses techniques for EGFR, KRAS, and ALK gene abnormalities using routine lung cancer tissue samples obtained from hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes by means of CP-EBUS exceeds 90%, and this method of tissue acquisition is not inferior to other specimen types. Tumor genotype techniques are feasible in most CP-EBUS-derived samples and therefore further expansion of routine tumor genotype for the care of patients with NSCLC may be possible using targeted sample acquisition through CP-EBUS.

Quality gaps and comparative effectiveness in lung cancer staging: the impact of test sequencing on outcomes

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based guidelines recommend mediastinal sampling as the first invasive test in patients with suspected lung cancer and mediastinal adenopathy. The goal of this study was to assess practice patterns and outcomes of diagnostic strategies in this patient population.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients in 2009 who had mediastinal adenopathy without distant metastatic disease to determine whether guideline-consistent care was delivered. Guideline-consistent care was defined as mediastinal lymph node sampling being performed as part of the first invasive procedure.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-seven patients were included. Guideline-consistent care was provided in 30 cases (22%). Patients receiving guideline-consistent care had fewer invasive tests than patients with guideline-inconsistent care (1.3 ± 0.5 tests/patient vs 2.3 ± 0.5 tests/patient, respectively; P < .0001) and fewer complications (0 of 30, 0% vs 18 of 108, 17%; P = .01). Most of the complications (16 of 18) were related to CT image-guided needle biopsy. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) was sufficient to guide treatment decisions without any other invasive tests in 88 patients (64%). Although not all the complications and costs due to CT image-guided biopsies could have been avoided, roughly two-thirds could have been eliminated by just changing the testing sequence.

CONCLUSION

Quality gaps in lung cancer staging in patients with mediastinal adenopathy are common and lead to unnecessary testing and increased complications. In patients with suspected lung cancer without distant metastatic disease with mediastinal adenopathy, EBUS-TBNA should be the first test.

How and when to use genetic markers for nonsmall cell lung cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Many driver mutations that determine the malignant behavior of lung cancer have been identified in recent years. The promise of therapies targeted to the specific molecular pathways altered by such mutations has made genetic testing in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) attractive to clinicians. We reviewed recent research on clinically relevant genetic and molecular tests for patients with NSCLC, with an emphasis on the tests linked to actionable mutations that influence therapy and improve outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) and translocations involving the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene have been shown to be common driver mutations in lung adenocarcinoma. The presence or absence of these mutations has been demonstrated to predict response to targeted therapy in many recent studies. Targeted therapies for patients with mutations in the EGFR domain or the echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 anaplastic lymphoma kinase translocation have been shown to be effective and are approved for use. Ongoing studies continue to define the extent of their utility and may continue to expand their indications. Sufficient tissue for genetic analysis can be obtained from cytologic samples, including those obtained from endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration.

SUMMARY

Genetic testing for driver mutations is useful in identifying patients with NSCLC who are likely to respond to targeted therapy. These tests are best used in patients with adenocarcinoma who have advanced-stage cancer.

Next-generation sequencing-based multi-gene mutation profiling of solid tumors using fine needle aspiration samples: promises and challenges for routine clinical diagnostics

Increasing use of fine needle aspiration for oncological diagnosis, while minimally invasive, poses a challenge for molecular testing by traditional sequencing platforms due to high sample requirements. The advent of affordable benchtop next-generation sequencing platforms such as the semiconductor-based Ion Personal Genome Machine (PGM) Sequencer has facilitated multi-gene mutational profiling using only nanograms of DNA. We describe successful next-generation sequencing-based testing of fine needle aspiration cytological specimens in a clinical laboratory setting. We selected 61 tumor specimens, obtained by fine needle aspiration, with known mutational status for clinically relevant genes; of these, 31 specimens yielded sufficient DNA for next-generation sequencing testing. Ten nanograms of DNA from each sample was tested for mutations in the hotspot regions of 46 cancer-related genes using a 318-chip on Ion PGM Sequencer. All tested samples underwent successful targeted sequencing of 46 genes. We showed 100% concordance of results between next-generation sequencing and conventional test platforms for all previously known point mutations that included BRAF, EGFR, KRAS, MET, NRAS, PIK3CA, RET and TP53, deletions of EGFR and wild-type calls. Furthermore, next-generation sequencing detected variants in 19 of the 31 (61%) patient samples that were not detected by traditional platforms, thus increasing the utility of mutation analysis; these variants involved the APC, ATM, CDKN2A, CTNNB1, FGFR2, FLT3, KDR, KIT, KRAS, MLH1, NRAS, PIK3CA, SMAD4, STK11 and TP53 genes. The results of this study show that next-generation sequencing-based mutational profiling can be performed on fine needle aspiration cytological smears and cell blocks. Next-generation sequencing can be performed with only nanograms of DNA and has better sensitivity than traditional sequencing platforms. Use of next-generation sequencing also enhances the power of fine needle aspiration by providing gene mutation results that can direct personalized cancer therapy.

The cryo-needle: a new tool for histological biopsies. A feasibility study

PURPOSE

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a standard procedure for intrathoracic lymph node biopsies. The newly developed cryo-needle operates in a similar way to the EBUS-TBNA but is able to obtain specimens for histological evaluation. The purpose of this animal study was to evaluate the feasibility, effect, and safety of the cryo-needle biopsies.

METHODS

Four EBUS-guided cryo-needle biopsies were obtained from a mediastinal lymph node of a healthy pig. In an open surgery approach, cryo-needle biopsies using activation times of 1, 2, and 3 s (A1/A2/A3) and needle biopsies using a 21-gauge EBUS-TBNA needle were obtained from mesenteric lymph nodes. Cryo-needle biopsies A2 were performed with (A2+) and without (A2-) an oversheath. The size, weight, percentage of lymphatic tissue and artefact-free area of each cryobiopsy were evaluated. Smears were made with the TBNA-needle aspirates to determine the number of lymphocytes per high-power field (HPF). The bleeding duration was measured.

RESULTS

We successfully obtained EBUS-guided cryo-needle biopsies. The area and weight of the biopsies A3 and A2+ were significantly larger compared with A1 (1.7 ± 0.8 and 1.4 ± 0.3 vs. 0.9 ± 0.4 mm(2); 5.2 ± 2.4 and 3.4 ± 1.8 vs. 1.5 ± 0.7 mg). The percentage of lymphatic tissue of the cryobiopsies was 90 ± 25 and 98 % of samples were artefact-free. The number of lymphocytes/HPF of TBNA-needle smears was 128 ± 54.3. There was no difference in bleeding duration between the techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

The cryo-needle yields large histological specimens of high quality.