Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer and its impact on surgical staging

Assessment of morbidity and mortality associated with EUS-guided FNA: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA) permits both morphologic and cytologic analysis of lesions within or adjacent to the GI tract. Although previous studies have evaluated the accuracy of EUS-FNA, little is known about the complications of EUS-FNA. Moreover, the frequency and severity of complications may vary from center to center and may be related to differences in individual experience.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the morbidity and mortality associated with EUS-FNA.

DESIGN

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched to identify relevant English-language articles.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

EUS-FNA-specific morbidity and mortality rates.

RESULTS

We identified 51 articles with a total of 10,941 patients who met our inclusion and exclusion criteria; the overall rate of EUS-FNA-specific morbidity was 0.98% (107/10,941). In the small proportion of patients with complications of any kind, the rates of pancreatitis (36/8246; 0.44%) and postprocedure pain (37/10,941; 0.34%) were 33.64% (36/107) and 34.58% (37/107), respectively. The mortality rate attributable to EUS-FNA-specific morbidity was 0.02% (2/10,941). Subgroup analysis showed that the morbidity rate was 2.44% in prospective studies compared with 0.35% in retrospective studies for pancreatic mass lesions (P=.000), whereas it was 2.33% versus 5.07% for pancreatic cysts (P=.036).

LIMITATIONS

Few articles reported well-designed, prospective studies and few focused on overall complications after EUS-FNA.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-FNA-related morbidity and mortality rates are relatively low, and most associated events are mild to moderate in severity.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive mediastinal staging tool for lung cancer but also a diagnostic tool for mediastinal lesions near the airway. After a brief historic rationale, this article reviews the indications for EBUS-TBNA, provides an overview of practical, training and financial issues; reviews the evidence comparing the mediastinal staging tools and briefly discusses potential future applications. EBUS-TBNA is most commonly used for staging non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but is also used for diagnosis of unexplained mediastinal lymphadenopathy of other causes. For staging before radical treatment, many centres still perform mediastinoscopy and this should be done to confirm negative EBUS-TBNA results in this setting and when the pre-test clinical probability of lung cancer is high. EBUS-TBNA may be used in the future for staging when the mediastinal nodes are normal according to radiological staging and also in re-staging. EBUS-TBNA can be learned with appropriate training and mentorship; it offers numerous advantages over mediastinoscopy; and it is less invasive and can reduce costs by avoiding unnecessary mediastinoscopies in many cases.

Impact of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in lymph nodal and mediastinal lesions: a multicenter experience

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is an established procedure in lung cancer (LC) staging and in the diagnosis of mediastinal masses. Most of the experiences reported refer to single specialized centers where dedicated teams of endoscopists and pathologists perform the procedure. We report the EUS-FNA experience of a cooperation group involving clinicians and cytopathologists from three hospitals. Fifty-seven consecutive EUS-FNA of mediastinal nodes in LC patients, eight mediastinal and two subdiaphragmatic masses were collected in 3 years. EUS-FNA was performed by two endoscopists and three experienced pathologists. On-site evaluation was performed in all cases by the three cytopathologists. Lymph node negative cases underwent surgery, which confirmed the cytological diagnoses but also detected two false negatives. Four of the 10 EUS cytological diagnoses of mediastinal and subdiaphragmatic masses were histologically confirmed. All EUS diagnoses were blindly reviewed by three pathologists to assess intra and interpersonal reproducibility. FNA-EUS diagnoses were: 10 inadequate (17%), 10 negative (17%), 4 suspicious (7%) and 33 positive (59%). Diagnoses of mediastinal and subdiaphragmatic masses were: relapse of lung carcinoma (3), mesenchimal tumor not otherwise specifiable (3), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) (1), esophageal carcinoma (2) and paraganglioma (1). The sensitivity attained was 85% and the specificity 100%; revision of the slides demonstrated a significant diagnostic reproducibility of the three cytopathologists (P < 0.5). The sensitivity and specificity attained were similar to those reported in the literature suggesting that experienced cytopathologists and endoscopists from different institutions can employ the same procedure reaching comparable results.

Role of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration in lung and mediastinal lesions

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) was initially introduced for diagnosing gastrointestinal and pancreatic lesions, and later on for lung and mediastinal lesions. It can provide tissue diagnosis of lung cancer where bronchoscopy is non-diagnostic. It is a minimally invasive method for lymph node (N) and metastasis (M) staging of non-small cell lung cancer, and is helpful for tissue proof of mediastinal mass with unknown origin. Few data on this topic have been reported from Eastern countries. We report our experience of using EUS-FNA for tissue proof of lung and mediastinal lesions.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 20 cases, with 21 EUS-FNAs of lung and mediastinal lesions (1 EUS-FNA performed on left adrenal gland) for tissue diagnosis and staging. With patients' informed written consent and fasting for 8 hours, EUS-FNA was performed with a linear echoendoscope using a 22- or 5-gauge needle and a syringe with 10-20 mL negative pressure. The cytology smear was fixed with 98% alcohol, while cell-block and tissue were sent for histology. There was no onsite cytopathologist. EUS-guided Tru-Cut biopsy was performed in 1 case. Malignancy was proven by FNA biopsy results, mediastinoscopy when performed, or by clinical course and follow-up.

RESULTS

Of the 20 cases, 19 were male and 1 was female; mean age was 63.9 ± 12.6 years. Median tumor size was 2.6 cm (range, 1.8-5.0 cm), and median number of punctures was 3 (range, 2-7). Eighteen EUS-FNA punctures were performed at the mediastinum, and 2 directly on lung mass. The size of the left adrenal metastasis for extramediastinal EUS-FNA was 1.2 cm. Of the 16 EUS-FNA-positive cases, 12 were for tissue diagnosis, 3 were for both tissue diagnosis and staging (N2 and M1 staging), and 1 was for N2 staging. EUS-FNA provided a tissue diagnosis in 14 cases where bronchoscopy was negative. In 16 positive EUS-FNAs, all except 1 had adequate tissue for FNA biopsy. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA were 84.2%, 100%, and 85%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

EUS-FNA can diagnose lung cancer by confirmation of mediastinal lymph node metastasis, by direct puncture of lung tumor close to the esophagus. It is useful for lymph node (N) stations 5, 7, 8 and metastasis (M) staging in non-small cell lung cancer, and for the diagnosis of mediastinal mass of unknown etiology.

Screening for tumours in paraneoplastic syndromes: report of an EFNS task force

BACKGROUND

paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) almost invariably predate detection of the malignancy. Screening for tumours is important in PNS as the tumour directly affects prognosis and treatment and should be performed as soon as possible.

OBJECTIVES

an overview of the screening of tumours related to classical PNS is given. Small cell lung cancer, thymoma, breast cancer, ovarian carcinoma and teratoma and testicular tumours are described in relation to paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis, subacute sensory neuronopathy, subacute autonomic neuropathy, paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, paraneoplastic opsoclonus-myoclonus, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), myasthenia gravis and paraneoplastic peripheral nerve hyperexcitability.

METHODS

many studies with class IV evidence were available; one study reached level III evidence. No evidence-based recommendations grade A-C were possible, but good practice points were agreed by consensus.

RECOMMENDATIONS

the nature of antibody, and to a lesser extent the clinical syndrome, determines the risk and type of an underlying malignancy. For screening of the thoracic region, a CT-thorax is recommended, which if negative is followed by fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). Breast cancer is screened for by mammography, followed by MRI. For the pelvic region, ultrasound (US) is the investigation of first choice followed by CT. Dermatomyositis patients should have CT-thorax/abdomen, US of the pelvic region and mammography in women, US of testes in men under 50 years and colonoscopy in men and women over 50. If primary screening is negative, repeat screening after 3-6 months and screen every 6 months up till 4 years. In LEMS, screening for 2 years is sufficient. In syndromes where only a subgroup of patients have a malignancy, tumour markers have additional value to predict a probable malignancy.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle biopsy for M1 staging of extrathoracic malignancies

BACKGROUND

extrathoracic malignancies metastasize to the mediastinum and/or pulmonary hilum. Mediastinoscopy and thoracoscopy are standard to obtain tissue proof of metastatic spread but are invasive. Endobronchial ultrasound with real-time-guided transbronchial fine-needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive alternative for surgical staging of lung cancer.

METHODS

we analysed the test characteristics of EBUS-TBNA in consecutive patients with a suspicion of mediastinal or hilar metastases of various extrathoracic malignancies.

RESULTS

ninety-two patients with concurrent (n = 33) or previously diagnosed and treated (n = 59) extrathoracic malignancies were evaluated. EBUS-TBNA detected mediastinal or hilar metastatic spread in 52 patients (57%) [metastasis of extrathoracic tumour in 40 (44%) and second malignancies (lung cancer) in 12 (13%)]. Subsequent surgical staging showed malignancy in another nine patients. With EBUS-TBNA, an alternate diagnosis was found in four. Sensitivity and negative predictive value for mediastinal or hilar metastatic spread were 85% [95% confidence interval (CI) 73-93] and 76% (95% CI 59-88). EBUS-TBNA prevented an invasive surgical procedure in 61% of the patients. One patient had a respiratory arrest during EBUS-TBNA; abortion lead to full recovery without further intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

EBUS-TBNA is a minimally invasive method for M staging of patients with extrathoracic malignancies to confirm mediastinal or hilar spread. EBUS-TBNA therefore may qualify as an alternative for surgical staging.

Diagnosis of mediastinal tuberculosis by using EUS-guided needle sampling in a geographic region with an intermediate tuberculosis burden

BACKGROUND

EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA) or trucut biopsy (TCB) is indispensible in the diagnosis of mediastinal malignancies. Less is known, however, about the usefulness of EUS-guided sampling for nonmalignant, mediastinal tuberculosis (TB), despite the increase in the incidence of TB.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the diagnostic yields of EUS-FNA/TCB in patients with mediastinal TB.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary-care referral hospital in a geographic region with an intermediate TB burden.

PATIENTS

This study involved 24 consecutive patients with mediastinal TB, who underwent EUS-FNA/TCB from July 2005 to September 2008.

INTERVENTION

EUS-FNA/TCB.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Technical success and diagnostic yields of EUS-FNA/TCB.

RESULTS

Mediastinal lesions (mean diameter, 28.6 mm; range 17.0-49.5 mm) were targeted by using 22-gauge-needle FNA in 10 patients and 19-gauge-needle TCB in 14 patients. Before EUS, only 10 of the 24 patients had a presumptive diagnosis of mediastinal TB, whereas 11 patients were suspected of having malignancies. Six patients showed mass-like lung parenchymal lesions mimicking lung cancer, and 7 patients had a history of malignancy. Pathologic examination showed granulomatous inflammation in 16 patients (66.7%), including 10 patients with caseating granulomas. Positive microbiologic results were obtained in 10 patients (41.7%): 3 by Ziehl-Neelsen staining, 5 by Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture, and 5 by TB polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. EUS-FNA/TCB confirmed mediastinal TB in 20 of the 24 patients and directed 11 patients clinically suspected of having malignancies to anti-TB treatment. The diagnostic yields of FNA and TCB were similar (90.0% vs 78.6%).

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective design in a tertiary-care referral hospital.

CONCLUSION

EUS-FNA/TCB is sufficiently useful to confirm mediastinal TB and can exclude suspected malignancies in TB patients.

Transbronchial and transesophageal fine-needle aspiration using an ultrasound bronchoscope in mediastinal staging of potentially operable lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

We performed this study to evaluate the role of transesophageal endoscopic ultrasound with bronchoscope-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-B-FNA) following endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in the mediastinal staging of lung cancer.

METHODS

In this prospective study, we applied transbronchial and transesophageal ultrasonography using an ultrasound bronchoscope on patients with confirmed or strongly suspected potentially operable non-small cell lung cancer. Following EBUS-TBNA, EUS-B-FNA was used for mediastinal nodes that were inaccessible or difficult to access by EBUS-TBNA. The accessibility by EBUS-TBNA and EUS-B-FNA to mediastinal nodal stations having at least one node ≥ 5 mm was also checked.

RESULTS

In 150 patients, we performed EBUS-TBNA and EUS-B-FNA on 299 and 64 mediastinal nodal stations, respectively. Among 143 evaluable patients, EBUS-TBNA diagnosed mediastinal metastasis in 38 patients. EUS-B-FNA identified mediastinal metastasis in three additional patients. Surgery diagnosed mediastinal metastasis in four more patients. The sensitivity, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-TBNA in the detection of mediastinal metastasis were 84.4%, 93.3%, and 95.1%, respectively. These values for the combined approach of EBUS-TBNA and EUS-B-FNA increased to 91.1%, 96.1%, and 97.2%, respectively, although the differences were not statistically significant (P = .332, P = .379, and P = .360, respectively). Among 473 mediastinal nodal stations having at least one node ≥ 5 mm that were evaluated, the proportion of accessible mediastinal nodal stations by EBUS-TBNA was 78.6%, and the proportion increased to 84.8% by combining EUS-B-FNA with EBUS-TBNA (P = .015).

CONCLUSION

Following EBUS-TBNA in the mediastinal staging of potentially operable lung cancer, the accessibility to mediastinal nodal stations increased by adding EUS-B-FNA and an additional diagnostic gain might be obtained by EUS-B-FNA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00741247.

Clinical impact of endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration of left adrenal masses in established or suspected lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

Correct lung cancer staging is pivotal for optimal allocation to surgical and nonsurgical treatment. A left adrenal gland (LAG) mass is found in 5 to 16%, and malignancy preclude surgery. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is superior to other imaging procedures in visualizing LAG, but the impact of EUS-fine needle aspiration (FNA) on tumor, node, metastasis (TNM)-staging, treatment, and survival is unknown.

METHODS

The impact of EUS-FNA of the LAG on TNM staging, treatment, and survival was evaluated retrospectively in all patients (n = 40) referred to EUS during 2000-2006 for known or suspected lung cancer and where EUS disclosed an enlarged LAG. Conventional workup had preceded EUS.

RESULTS

EUS-FNA of an enlarged LAG altered the TNM staging in 70% (downstaged: 26 of 28 patients) and treatment in 48% (gained surgery 25%, avoided surgery 5%, surgically verified benign disease 5%, no cancer and no further workup 5%, and no cancer, control computed tomography, and then no further workup 8%). A malignant LAG lesion was found in 28% and was significantly associated with shorter survival.

CONCLUSION

EUS-FNA of an enlarged LAG in patients with known or suspected lung cancer had a significant impact on TNM staging, treatment, and survival. The impact of routine visualization of the LAG in lung cancer workup needs to be prospectively validated.

Endoscopic and endobronchial ultrasonography according to the proposed lymph node map definition in the seventh edition of the tumor, node, metastasis classification for lung cancer

Accurate assessment of lymph node involvement is a critical step in patients with non-small cell lung cancer in the absence of distant metastases. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer has proposed a new lymph node map, which provides precise anatomic definitions for all intrathoracic lymph nodes. Transoesophageal endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration and endobronchial ultrasound with transbronchial needle aspiration are two minimally invasive techniques that are increasingly implemented in the staging of non-small cell lung cancer. Therefore, recognition of the proposed anatomic borders by these techniques is very relevant for an accurate clinical staging. We here discuss the reach and limits of endoscopic ultrasound in the precise delineation and approach of the intrathoracic lymph nodes according to the new lymph node map for the seventh edition of the tumor, node, metastasis classification for lung cancer.

Lung cancer staging by combined endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): The gastroenterologist's perspective

This review deals with the combined approach of endoscopic ultrasound and endobronchial ultrasound for lung cancer staging. The review provides an overview for the gastroenterologist who performs endosonography with regard to the current evidence supporting the use of endoscopic ultrasound and endobronchial ultrasound in clinical practice.

Performance of EUS-FNA for mediastinal lymphadenopathy: impact on patient management and costs in low-volume EUS centers

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of mediastinal lymphadenopathy has been shown to be a valuable diagnostic tool in high-volume EUS centers (≥50 mediastinal EUS-FNA/endoscopist/year). Our goal was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA and its impact on clinical management and costs in low-volume EUS centers (<50 mediastinal EUS-FNA/endoscopist/year).

Methods

Consecutive patients referred to two Dutch endoscopy centers in the period 2002–2008 for EUS-FNA of mediastinal lymphadenopathy were reviewed. The gold standard for a cytological diagnosis was histological confirmation or clinical follow-up of more than 6 months with repeat imaging. The impact of EUS-FNA on clinical management was subdivided into a positive impact by providing (1) adequate cytology that influenced the decision to perform surgery or (2) a diagnosis of a benign inflammatory disorder, and a negative impact which was subdivided into (1) false-negative or inconclusive cytology or (2) an adequate cytological diagnosis that did not influence patient management. Costs of an alternative diagnostic work-up without EUS-FNA, as established by an expert panel, were compared to costs of the actual work-up.

Results

In total, 213 patients (71% male, median age = 61 years, range = 23–88 years) underwent EUS-FNA. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were 89%, 100%, 80%, and 100%, respectively. EUS-FNA had a positive impact on clinical management in 84% of cases by either influencing the decision to perform surgery (49%) or excluding malignant lymphadenopathy (35%), and a negative impact in 7% of cases because of inadequate (3%) or false-negative (4%) cytology. In 9% of cases, EUS-FNA was performed without an established indication. Two nonfatal perforations occurred (0.9%). Total cost reduction was €100,593, with a mean cost reduction of €472 (SD = €607) per patient.

Conclusions

Mediastinal EUS-FNA can be performed in low-volume EUS centers without compromising diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, EUS-FNA plays an important role in the management of patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy and reduces total diagnostic costs.

Combined endoscopic-endobronchial ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of mediastinal lymph nodes through a single bronchoscope in 150 patients with suspected lung cancer

BACKGROUND

For mediastinal lymph nodes, biopsies must often be performed to accurately stage lung cancer. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) allows real-time guidance in sampling paratracheal, subcarinal, and hilar lymph nodes, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) can sample mediastinal lymph nodes located adjacent to the esophagus. Nodes can be sampled and staged more completely by combining these procedures, but to date use of two different endoscopes has been required. We examined whether both procedures could be performed with a single endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscope.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with a presumptive diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) underwent endoscopic staging by EBUS-TBNA and EUS-FNA through a single linear ultrasound bronchoscope. Surgical confirmation and clinical follow-up was used as the reference standard.

RESULTS

Among 150 evaluated patients, 139 (91%; 83 men, 56 women; mean age 57.6 years) were diagnosed with NSCLC. In these 139 patients, 619 nodes were endoscopically biopsied: 229 by EUS-FNA and 390 by EBUS-TBNA. Sensitivity was 89% for EUS-FNA and 92% for EBUS-TBNA. The combined approach had a sensitivity of 96% and a negative predictive value of 95%, values higher than either approach alone. No complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

The two procedures can easily be performed with a dedicated linear endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscope in one setting and by one operator. They are complementary and provide better diagnostic accuracy than either one alone. The combination may be able to replace more invasive methods as a primary staging method for patients with lung cancer.

Endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration

Staging for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) requires accurate assessment of the mediastinal lymph nodes which determines treatment and outcome. As radiological staging is limited by its specificity and sensitivity, it is necessary to sample the mediastinal nodes. Traditionally, mediastinoscopy has been used for evaluation of the mediastinum especially when radical treatment is contemplated, although conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) has also been used in other situations for staging and diagnostic purposes. Endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) offers a minimally invasive alternative to mediastinoscopy with additional access to the hilar nodes, a better safety profile, and it removes the costs and hazards of theatre time and general anaesthesia with comparable sensitivity, although the negative predictive value of mediastinoscopy (and sample size) is greater. EBUS-TBNA also obtains larger samples than conventional TBNA, has superior performance and theoretically is safer, allowing real-time sampling under direct vision. It can also have predictive value both in sonographic appearance of the nodes and histological characteristics. EBUS-TBNA is therefore indicated for NSCLC staging, diagnosis of lung cancer when there is no endobronchial lesion, and diagnosis of both benign (especially tuberculosis and sarcoidosis) and malignant mediastinal lesions. The procedure is different than for flexible bronchoscopy, takes longer, and requires more training. EBUS-TBNA is more expensive than conventional TBNA but can save costs by reducing the number of more costly mediastinoscopies. Revenue based tariff systems have been slow to reflect the innovation of techniques such as EBUS-TBNA. In the future, endobronchial ultrasound may have applications in airways disease and pulmonary vascular disease.

Implementation of endoscopic ultrasound for lung cancer staging

BACKGROUND

EUS-guided FNA is currently advocated in lung cancer staging guidelines as an alternative for surgical staging to prove mediastinal metastases. To date, training requirements for chest physicians to obtain competency in EUS for lung cancer staging are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To test a training and implementation strategy for EUS for the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer.

DESIGN

Prospective national multicenter implementation trial. Nine (chest) physicians from 5 hospitals participated in a dedicated EUS educational program (investigation of 50 patients) for the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. EUS outcomes of trainees were compared with those of the training center.

SETTING

Four general hospitals, the national cancer center (implementation centers), and a tertiary referral center (expert center).

PATIENTS

This study involved 551 consecutive patients with (suspected) lung cancer, all candidates for surgical staging, who underwent EUS in 1 of the 5 implementation centers (n = 346) or the single expert center (n = 205). Surgical-pathological staging was the reference standard in case no mediastinal metastases were found.

RESULTS

EUS had a sensitivity of 83% versus 82% and accuracy of 89% versus 88% for mediastinal nodal staging (implementation center vs expert center). Surgery was spared because of EUS findings in 51% versus 54% of patients. A single complication occurred in each group.

LIMITATION

Surgical-pathological verification of mediastinal nodes was not available in all patients staged negative at EUS.

CONCLUSION

Chest physicians who participate in a dedicated training and implementation program for EUS in lung cancer staging can obtain results similar to those of experts for mediastinal nodal staging.

Transesophageal endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for the mediastinal staging of extrathoracic tumors: a new perspective

BACKGROUND

Several extrathoracic tumors metastasize to the mediastinum. Mediastinoscopy is the standard method to obtain tissue proof of mediastinal spread, but drawbacks are its invasiveness, requirement for general anesthesia and costs. Transesophageal endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is indicated in lung cancer staging guidelines as a minimally invasive alternative for surgical staging. The diagnostic values in patients with suspected mediastinal metastases and various (previous) extrathoracic malignancies were assessed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with suspected mediastinal metastases (on computed tomography or positron emission tomography) and an (previous) extrathoracic malignancy underwent EUS-FNA.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients with current (n = 14) or previously diagnosed (n = 61) extrathoracic malignancies were evaluated. EUS-FNA detected mediastinal malignancies in 43 patients (57%) [metastases of extrathoracic tumors, n = 36 (48%); second malignancy (lung cancer), n = 7 (9%)]. Mediastinal metastases were found at subsequent surgical staging in seven patients or during follow-up (one patient). In seven patients, an alternative diagnosis was established. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and negative predictive value of EUS-FNA for mediastinal staging were 86%, 100%, 91% and 72%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

EUS-FNA is a minimally invasive mediastinal staging method for patients with extrathoracic malignancies to confirm nodal metastatic spread and therefore may qualify as an alternative for surgical staging.

Endosonography in bronchopulmonary disease

The diagnostic approach to diseases of the mediastinum is divided into two phases: (1) imaging techniques and (2) procedures for obtaining tissue samples for cytologic and histologic examination. The latter has for many years represented a considerable challenge to the clinician. Often invasive procedures in general anaesthesia as mediastinoscopy or thoracoscopy have been necessary. However, the sampling of tissue from the mediastinum has been revolutionized by EBUS and EUS, since they give access to the middle and the posterior compartment via the trachea and the oesophagus, respectively. Both EUS FNA and EBUS-TBNA of mediastinal nodes and tumors can provide a specimen adequate for interpretation in over 95% of cases with a specificity of close to 100% and a sensitivity ranging between 88% and 96%. A growing number of studies including randomized trails and meta-analyses have demonstrated a major impact of EUSFNA as well as EBUS-TBNA on management of patients with lung cancer as well as in patients with unknown lesions in the mediastinum. The aim of the present review is to discuss the current role of endosonography in bronchopulmonary diseases focusing on endosonographically guided biopsy via the esophagus, trachea and main bronchi. The concept of complete echo-endoscopic staging of lung cancer is postulated as virtually all mediastinal nodes as well as regions relevant to pulmonal medicine (liver and adrenal glands) can be reached by these two methods in combination.

What is the optimal treatment of stage IIIA-N2 non-small-cell lung cancer after EORTC 08941?

The results of a randomized trial investigating the role of local therapies after induction chemotherapy in patients with stage IIIA-N2 non-small-cell lung cancer lend themselves to a review of the available evidence and speculation about the routine and future treatment in these patients. An algorithm for future treatment is proposed.

Endobronchial ultrasound and value of PET for prediction of pathological results of mediastinal hot spots in lung cancer patients

SUMMARY

In the staging of lung cancer with positron emission tomography (PET) positive mediastinal lymph nodes, tissue sampling is required. The performance of transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) using linear endobronchial ultrasound (real-time EBUS-TBNA) under local anaesthesia and the value of PET for prediction of pathological results were assessed in that setting. The number of eluded surgical procedures was evaluated. All consecutive patients with suspected/proven lung cancers and FDG-PET positive mediastinal adenopathy were included. If no diagnosis was reached, further surgical sampling was required. Lymph node SUVmax (maximum standardized uptake value) was assessed in patients whose PET was performed in the leading centre. One hundred and six patients were included. The average number of TBNA samples per patient was 4.9+/-1.1. The prevalence of lymph node metastasis was 58%. Sensitivity, accuracy and negative predictive value of EBUS-TBNA in the staging of mediastinal hot spots were 95, 97 and 91%. Patients without malignant lymph node involvement showed lower SUVmax (respective median values of 3.7 and 10.0; p<0.0001). Surgical procedures were eluded in 56% of the patients. Real-time EBUS-TBNA should be preferred over mediastinoscopy as the first step procedure in the staging of PET mediastinal hot spots in lung cancer patients. In case of negative EBUS, surgical staging procedure should be undertaken. The addition of SUVmax cut-off may allow further refinement but needs validation.

[Transesophageal ultrasonography for mediastinum diagnostics]

Along with endosonographic fine needle aspiration, transoesophageal ultrasonography is now well established for staging gastrointestinal tumors. It is especially well suited to assessing mediastinal structures due to its transoesophageal approach and its high local definition. The mediastinum can be viewed all the way from the tracheal bifurcation to the diaphragm. This technique is already in regular use for pulmonary problems and especially for staging pulmonary carcinomas.

Endoscopic ultrasound reduces surgical mediastinal staging in lung cancer: a randomized trial

RATIONALE

Assessment of mediastinal lymph nodes is recommended in patients with non-small cell lung cancer without distant metastases. Linear transesophageal endoscopic ultrasound with real-time guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a promising, nonsurgical tool for mediastinal staging.

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing surgical staging with EUS-FNA.

METHODS

Patients with proven or suspected non-small cell lung cancer in whom mediastinal exploration was required were randomly assigned to undergo EUS-FNA or the appropriate surgical staging procedure. When EUS-FNA did not show malignant lymph node invasion, a confirmatory surgical staging procedure was done. A negative surgical staging procedure was followed by thoracotomy with systematic lymph node sampling. The primary endpoint was the rate of surgical staging interventions. The secondary endpoints were test performance of EUS-FNA and surgical staging, morbidity, and length of hospital stay, considering surgical staging was performed as an in-patient procedure.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 40 patients were randomized: 19 to EUS-FNA, and 21 to surgical mediastinal staging. Patient and tumor characteristics were well balanced between both groups. For patients allocated to EUS-FNA, surgical staging was needed in 32% (P < 0.001). The sensitivity to detect malignant lymph node invasion was 93% (95% confidence interval, 66-99%) for EUS-FNA and 73% (95% confidence interval, 39-93%) for surgical staging (P = 0.29). Complication rate was 0% for EUS-FNA and 5% for surgical staging (P = 1.0). The median hospital stay was significantly shorter for EUS-FNA than for surgical staging (0 vs. 2 nights; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-FNA reduces the need for surgical staging procedures in patients with (suspected) lung cancer in whom a mediastinal exploration is needed.

Invasive mediastinal staging of lung cancer: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (2nd edition)

BACKGROUND

The treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is determined by accurate definition of the stage. If there are no distant metastases, the status of the mediastinal lymph nodes is critical. Although imaging studies can provide some guidance, in many situations invasive staging is necessary. Many different complementary techniques are available.

METHODS

The current guidelines and medical literature that are applicable to this issue were identified by computerized search and were evaluated using standardized methods. Recommendations were framed using the approach described by the Health and Science Policy Committee of the American College of Chest Physicians.

RESULTS

Performance characteristics of invasive staging interventions are defined. However, a direct comparison of these results is not warranted because the patients selected for these procedures have been different. It is crucial to define patient groups, and to define the need for an invasive test and selection of the best test based on this.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with extensive mediastinal infiltration, invasive staging is not needed. In patients with discrete node enlargement, staging by CT or positron emission tomography (PET) scanning is not sufficiently accurate. The sensitivity of various techniques is similar in this setting, although the false-negative (FN) rate of needle techniques is higher than that for mediastinoscopy. In patients with a stage II or a central tumor, invasive staging of the mediastinal nodes is necessary. Mediastinoscopy is generally preferable because of the higher FN rates of needle techniques in the setting of normal-sized lymph nodes. Patients with a peripheral clinical stage I NSCLC do not usually need invasive confirmation of mediastinal nodes unless a PET scan finding is positive in the nodes. The staging of patients with left upper lobe tumors should include an assessment of the aortopulmonary window lymph nodes.

Cytopathologic diagnoses of fine-needle aspirations from endoscopic ultrasound of the mediastinum

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy through the esophagus (EUS-FNA) or the bronchial tree (endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration [EBUS-TBNA]) may be used to obtain specimens from mediastinal structures. The accuracy of this procedure has been well documented. However, no studies have studied the reproducibility of the pathologic assessment of the aspirated material.

METHODS

A total of 102 slides from EUS-FNA or EBUS-TBNA were assessed 2 times by 4 pathologists who classified each slide to 1 of 5 diagnostic categories and judged if the aspirate came from a lymph node. Between the 2 rounds the criteria to be used in the assessment of the slides were reviewed in a limited education session. The 4 observers had at least 15 years of pathology experience, but their experience in EUS-FNA and/or EBUS-TBNA varied from almost none to more than 10 years. The kappa statistic was applied for the analysis of reproducibility.

RESULTS

The reproducibility of the diagnoses in the first round was good to excellent (kappa, 0.52-0.89). The teaching session led to a significant improvement of the reproducibility between the least and the most experienced observers (kappa ranges of 0.52-0.55 in the first round improved to 0.65-0.71 in the second round).

CONCLUSIONS

The reproducibility of the diagnosis on EBUS-TBNA and EUS-FNA is excellent among pathologists experienced with these types of samples. Pathologists who are generally experienced but have little experience with EBUS-TBNA and EUS-FNA show a steep learning curve. From a pathologic point of view, EBUS-TBNA and EUS-FNA are feasible, but only experienced pathologists should do the assessments.

Advances in positron emission tomography technology have increased the need for surgical staging in non–small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

Pretreatment staging of patients with non-small cell lung cancer is critically important in determining an appropriate treatment plan. As positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) are proven complementary modalities in clinical staging, recent advances in PET technology have brought forth integrated PET/CT as the new standard. We tested the hypothesis that improvements in PET technology have not increased the sensitivity or specificity of PET in the staging of non-small cell lung cancer to an extent that surgical staging is no longer required.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, single-institution review of 336 patients from 1995 to 2005 with biopsy-proven non-small cell lung cancer who underwent [18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-PET before mediastinal lymph node sampling by cervical mediastinoscopy or thoracotomy. Clinical records, histopathologic reports, and PET findings were reviewed. Data were analyzed by the Pearson chi2 test.

RESULTS

Within the study population, 210 patients had routine PET and 126 had integrated PET/CT. For detecting mediastinal metastases the sensitivities of PET versus integrated PET/CT were 61.1% versus 85.7% (P < .05), specificities were 94.3% versus 80.6% (P < .001), positive predictive values were 68.8% versus 55.8%, negative predictive values were 92.1% versus 95.2%, and overall accuracy was 88.6% versus 81.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvements in PET technology have increased integrated PET/CT sensitivity at the cost of significantly decreased specificity. Although it may appear that integrated PET/CT incurs fewer false negative results, the dramatic increase in false positive results reinforces the notion that integrated PET/CT should be used only as an adjunct to clinical staging and that surgical staging remains the gold standard in non-small cell lung cancer.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Staging

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive alternative technique for mediastinal staging of non-small cell lung cancer. A metaanalysis was performed to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA for staging mediastinal lymph nodes (N2/N3 disease) in patients with lung cancer.

METHODS

Relevant studies were identified using Medline (1966 to November 2005), CINAHL, and citation indexing. Included studies used histology or adequate clinical follow-up (> 6 months) as the "gold standard," and provided sufficient data for calculating sensitivity and specificity. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves metaanalysis was performed to estimate the pooled sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS

In 18 eligible studies, EUS-FNA identified 83% of patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 78 to 87%) with positive mediastinal lymph nodes (pooled sensitivity) and 97% of patients (95% CI, 96 to 98%) with negative mediastinal lymph nodes (pooled specificity). In eight studies that were limited to patients who had abnormal mediastinal lymph nodes seen on CT scans, the sensitivity was 90% (95% CI, 84 to 94%) and the specificity was 97% (95% CI, 95 to 98%). In patients without abnormal mediastinal lymph nodes seen on CT scans (four studies), the pooled sensitivity was 58% (95% CI, 39 to 75%). Minor complications were reported in 10 cases (0.8%). There were no major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-FNA is a safe modality for the invasive staging of lung cancer that is highly sensitive when used to confirm metastasis to mediastinal lymph nodes seen on CT scans. In addition, among lung cancer patients with normal mediastinal adenopathy seen on CT scans, despite lower sensitivity, it has the potential to prevent unnecessary surgery in a large proportion of cases missed by CT scanning.

Moyens de staging

There have been main changes in the methods for the work-up of lung cancer over the last 15 years. Guidelines of the main scientific societies are reviewed. The new methods are discussed: brain nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), positron emission tomography (PET scan), mediastinal nodes biopsy by echoguided endoscopy. These new techniques will change the classical approach as recommended by ATS/ERS.