Biopsy testing in an inoperable, non-small cell lung cancer population-a retrospective, real-life study in Sweden

Journal of Thoracic Disease
Hirsh KoyiSven Nyrén

Abstract

Correct diagnosis and staging are required for optimal treatment choice in lung cancer patients. This retrospective, patient medical records study investigated the clinical practice of lung cancer biopsy procedures and testing in Sweden. Consecutive patients with a recorded inoperable, malignant tumour of bronchus and lung were retrospectively identified at geographically widespread pulmonology clinics (NCT01139619). Data, including diagnostic sampling methodology [bronchoscopy, biopsy by pulmonologist and computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy], were collected for patients diagnosed between 1 June 2009-31 May 2010, and analysed using descriptive statistics. A study-predefined algorithm, including six criteria on tumour localization and size, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), blood saturation and risk of bleeding theoretically categorizing patient suitability for CT-guided biopsy, was used. In total, 132 patients (mean age 68 years, 48% women, 61% adenocarcinoma, 86% current/ former smokers, 96% performance status ≤2, mean FEV1 volume ≥2 L) were included. The majority were examined by >1 diagnostic procedure (29% by CT-guided biopsy). Median overall time from first hospital contact to established diagnosis was 12.0...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Cancer Imaging

Imaging techniques, including CT and MR, have become essential to tumor detection, diagnosis, and monitoring. Here is the latest research on cancer imaging.