Molecular analysis of small tissue samples obtained via transbronchial lung biopsy using radial probe endobronchial ultrasound.

BackgroundRadial probe endobronchial ultrasound using a guide sheath (EBUS-GS) is used to diagnose peripheral lung cancer. The aim was to identify the accuracy of molecular analysis that were performed with EBUS-GS specimens in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodFrom December 2015 to September 2017, we retrospectively studied 91 patients with peripheral NSCLC who underwent surgery after EBUS-GS. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutational and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) translocation status obtained from surgical specimens served as the references.ResultsCompared to the reference data, EGFR mutational testing of EBUS-GS specimens was in 97% agreement, and the κ coefficient was 0.931 (PConclusionWe found that EBUS-GS could be used for molecular diagnosis, such as EGFR mutational and ALK translocation status, in patients with peripheral NSCLC