Samy Lachkar1, Florian Guisier2, Maxime Roger1, Bérengère Obstoy1, Suzanna Bota1, Delphine Lerouge3, Nicolas Piton4, Luc Thiberville2, Mathieu Salaün5. 1. Department of Pulmonology, Thoracic Oncology, and Respiratory Intensive Care and CIC-CRB 1404, Rouen, France. 2. Department of Pulmonology, Thoracic Oncology, and Respiratory Intensive Care and CIC-CRB 1404, Rouen, France; QuantIF- LITIS EA 4108, IRIB, Rouen University, F-76000, Rouen, France. 3. Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, CRLCC F. Baclesse, F-14000, Caen, France. 4. Department of Pathology, Rouen University Hospital, F-76000, Rouen, France. 5. Department of Pulmonology, Thoracic Oncology, and Respiratory Intensive Care and CIC-CRB 1404, Rouen, France; QuantIF- LITIS EA 4108, IRIB, Rouen University, F-76000, Rouen, France. Electronic address: mathieu.salaun@univ-rouen.fr.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Stereotactic radiotherapy is used to treat peripheral lung cancer in inoperable patients. Placement of fiducial gold markers (FMs) is crucial for tracking small lesions that are not visible on chest radiographs. Our objective was to assess endoscopic FM placement in small peripheral lung nodules (PLNs) that are not trackable using automated tracking software. METHODS: All patients benefiting from virtual bronchoscopy and radial endobronchial ultrasonography (R-EBUS)-guided placement of FMs for PLNs < 20 mm were included. After confirmation by biopsy sampling, a gold-seed FM was inserted into the nodule using a bronchial brush, without the use of fluoroscopy. The performance and complications of the procedure were recorded. RESULTS: From May 2010 to June 2015, FMs were placed in the PLNs of 54 consecutive patients, 34 of whom presented with a nodule < 20 mm. Seventy-six percent of the procedures were performed using local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The median long- and short-axis diameters of nodules were 15 mm (9-20 mm) and 11 mm (6-20 mm), respectively, with 31 of 34 nodules exhibiting a short axis of < 15 mm. In 23 cases (79%), histologic samples were obtained during the procedure that allowed FM placement. Migration occurred in six cases, including two in the hours following the procedure. FMs were in place and visible on CT imaging performed 3 months after radiation therapy in 80% of cases. No complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of peripheral nodules < 20 mm and FM placement using R-EBUS are efficient and safe in a single procedure.
BACKGROUND: Stereotactic radiotherapy is used to treat peripheral lung cancer in inoperable patients. Placement of fiducial gold markers (FMs) is crucial for tracking small lesions that are not visible on chest radiographs. Our objective was to assess endoscopic FM placement in small peripheral lung nodules (PLNs) that are not trackable using automated tracking software. METHODS: All patients benefiting from virtual bronchoscopy and radial endobronchial ultrasonography (R-EBUS)-guided placement of FMs for PLNs < 20 mm were included. After confirmation by biopsy sampling, a gold-seed FM was inserted into the nodule using a bronchial brush, without the use of fluoroscopy. The performance and complications of the procedure were recorded. RESULTS: From May 2010 to June 2015, FMs were placed in the PLNs of 54 consecutive patients, 34 of whom presented with a nodule < 20 mm. Seventy-six percent of the procedures were performed using local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The median long- and short-axis diameters of nodules were 15 mm (9-20 mm) and 11 mm (6-20 mm), respectively, with 31 of 34 nodules exhibiting a short axis of < 15 mm. In 23 cases (79%), histologic samples were obtained during the procedure that allowed FM placement. Migration occurred in six cases, including two in the hours following the procedure. FMs were in place and visible on CT imaging performed 3 months after radiation therapy in 80% of cases. No complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of peripheral nodules < 20 mm and FM placement using R-EBUS are efficient and safe in a single procedure.