Bronchoscopic Ablative Therapies for Malignant Central Airway Obstruction and Peripheral Lung Tumors

Bronchoscopic ablative therapies have been applied safely and successfully for the palliation of malignant central airway obstruction and have the potential for treating inoperable peripheral lung tumors. Proper understanding of technology-tissue interaction allows clinicians to optimize tissue effects, avoid intraoperative complications, and predict response to therapy and potential adverse events. This article reviews the basic mechanisms of action and clinical data on bronchoscopic ablation using laser, electrosurgery, photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, and thermal vapor ablation for malignant central airway obstruction and peripheral lung tumors.