Recent Advances in Bronchoscopic Treatment of Peripheral Lung Cancers

We searched the Cochrane Library and MEDLINE from 1990 to 2015 to provide the most comprehensive review of bronchoscopic treatment of malignant lung nodules. We used the following search terms: bronchoscopy, lung nodule, peripheral lung lesion, and bronchoscopic treatment. We focused on peripheral pulmonary nodules that are confirmed or highly likely to be malignant. Seventy-one articles were included in this narrative review. We have provided an overview of advanced bronchoscopic modalities that have been used or are under active investigation for definitive treatment of malignant pulmonary nodules. We have concisely discussed the use of direct intratumoral chemotherapy or gene therapies, transbronchial brachytherapy, bronchoscopy-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA), placement of markers to guide real time-radiation and surgery, cryotherapy, and photodynamic therapy. We have also briefly reported on emerging technologies such as vapor ablation of lung parenchyma for lung cancers. Advances in bronchoscopic therapy will bring additional treatment options to patients with peripheral lung malignancies, with putative advantages over other minimally invasive modalities.