Next‐generation sequencing using tissue specimen collected with a 1.1 mm‐diameter cryoprobe in patients with lung cancer

Abstract Background and Objective Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) analysis is considered standard for lung cancer diagnosis in clinical practice. Little is known about the feasibility of NGS using tumour tissue sampled with a 1.1 mm‐diameter cryoprobe. We aimed to investigate the suitability of specimens obtained by transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBC) using a 1.1 mm‐diameter cryoprobe for NGS analysis. Methods Patients with lung cancer who underwent TBC using a 1.1 mm‐diameter cryoprobe for NGS testing between October 2020 and April 2023 were enrolled. A 4.0‐ or 3.0 mm‐diameter bronchoscope with radial probe endobronchial ultrasound and virtual bronchoscopic navigation was used to detect peripheral lung lesions. All procedures were performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Data were analysed retrospectively. Results A total of 56 patients underwent TBC using a 1.1 mm cryoprobe for NGS testing, during the study period. Most patients (98%) were in the advanced stage of lung cancer (recurrent or inoperable disease of stages III or IV). The diagnostic yield of NGS for DNA and RNA sequencing was 95% each (53 of 56). Moderate bleeding was noted in three patients (5%) and none of the study patients developed life‐threatening complications, such as pneumothorax or lung infection. Conclusion TBC using a 1.1 mm‐diameter cryoprobe is a useful and safe tool for NGS analysis, for both DNA and RNA sequencing. image