Abstract
Since its advent more than a decade ago, real-time linear endobronchial ultrasound
(EBUS) guided transbronchial needle aspiration has revolutionized the diagnosis and
staging of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and has become the standard of care
with widespread acceptance. It is also extensively used to diagnose other disease
entities such as malignancy besides NSCLC, benign diseases, or infectious processes.
Ancillary studies have shown its superior safety profile and cost-effectiveness. In
recent years, linear EBUS has been expanding its clinical applications owing to the
emerging new tools such as the 19-gauge (19G) needle and miniforceps. Meanwhile, with
several ground-breaking discoveries in lung cancer treatment over the past few years,
linear EBUS has found its way to fit into this scheme as a safe and effective diagnostic
tool. This review summarizes the most recent evidence on evaluating the performance
of linear EBUS-guided biopsy in various clinical situations.
Keywords
linear endobronchial ultrasound - needle aspiration - 19G needle - miniforceps - targeted
therapy - immunotherapy - rebiopsy - next generation sequencing
