ABSTRACT
This review focuses on aspects of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) in which it differs
importantly from other forms of non-small-cell lung cancer. BAC is a form of adenocarcinoma
with unique clinical, radiological, and epidemiological features. With the notable
exception of a lower likelihood of a positive positron-emission tomographic (PET)
scan in BAC, staging, diagnosis, and treatment are largely the same as for other histological
subtypes of lung cancer. However, additional treatment options exist that are equivalent,
if not more effective, for many patients with BAC. The diagnosis of BAC should be
reserved for those tumors meeting the 1999/2004 criteria set forth by the World Health
Organization. Revised nomenclature proposed by an expert consensus panel may change
how this disease is viewed. Additional clinical trials are needed on patients with
BAC, employing strict definitions and enrollment criteria to allow the results to
be applied to appropriate patient populations.
KEYWORDS
Bronchioloalveolar - ground-glass opacity - limited resection - erlotinib
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Douglas ArenbergM.D.
Division of Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School
6301 MSRB III SPC 5642, 1150 West Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48109
eMail: darenber@umich.edu
