EP16.03-022 Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Sampling Is Sufficient for Lung Cancer Molecular Profiling

Abstract

Molecular testing of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens for somatic gene alterations is important for identification of potentially efficacious targeted therapies, as well as avoidance of therapies that are unlikely to provide clinical benefit. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive technique that is effective for diagnosis and staging NSCLC. Although several studies have shown two to six needle passes are sufficient for adequate molecular profiling, concern remains that EBUS-TBNA samples do not provide enough material.