Autofluorescence Videobronchoscopy (AFI) for the Assessment of Tumor Extension in Lung Cancer

The major objective of our study was to determine the specificity and sensitivity of AFI videobronchoscopy vs. white light videobronchoscopy, in the assessment of lung cancer extent. Secondary objective was to investigate whether or not AFI can reveal greater extension of the tumor, and can it influence therapy making decision. Autofluorescence videobronchoscopy systems are new technology for visualization of bronchial mucosa, and the proper indications for such systems will be determined in the near future. In this prospective trial we have enrolled 27 patients with suspected lung cancer in whom we performed 108 diagnostic biopsies and 54 control biopsies. All patients underwent WL videobronchoscopy followed by Auto Fluorescence Imaging (AFI) examination of tracheobronchial tree. We were using videobronchoscope BF-F260 and EVIS LUCERA SPECTRUM processor unit. Overall specificity for AFI in the diagnostics of lung cancer was found to be 85%, sensitivity was 90%, positive predictive value (PPV) 78%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 94%. Specificity, sensitivity, PPV, and NPV for WL videobronchoscopy in lung cancer diagnostics were 54%, 64%, 51%, and 69%, respectively. Relative sensitivity ratio of AFI over WL videobronchoscopy, which is calculated to be 1.41, confirmed superiority of AFI in lung cancer diagnostics. We confirmed significant correlation between the greater extension of the tumor (assessed with AFI) and the therapeutical decision in lung cancer treatment (p = 0.01). Influence of AFI on therapeutical decision was significant (p = 0.034). AFI videobronchoscopy system yields significantly higher sensitivity and specificity for the assessment of lung cancer extent than WLB videobronchoscopy alone. It had shown to be able to influence therapeutic option for lung cancer treatment. Further studies are needed to evaluate and validate these results.