EBUS-TBNA in TNM 9th edition: Current practices and the emerging role of EBUS-Cryo

Soo Chun Ian
Sunway Medical Centre Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is crucial for accurate lung cancer staging, especially with the refined N-descriptor in the TNM 9th edition. While EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) remains the standard for nodal assessment, its limitations in sample size and quality can hinder comprehensive diagnosis. EBUS-cryobiopsy is an emerging technique that addresses these limitations by providing larger, better-preserved tissue samples. This improved sample quality enhances the diagnosis of complex cases and facilitates crucial molecular profiling for personalized treatment. Ultimately, EBUS-cryobiopsy holds significant promise in optimizing diagnostic yield and guiding advanced lung cancer management.