The argon plasma coagulation in the treatment of tracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma: a clinical study of 19 cases

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical application value of argon plasma coagulation (APC) via bronchoscope in the treatment of tracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma. Methods From Jan. 2000 to Dec. 2017 the Chinese PLA General Hospital Department of Respiratory Medicine treated 19 patients with primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of trachea and bronchus were treated with APC via bronchoscope, including 12 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma of trachea, 7 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma of bronchus, and all of them treated by argon plasma coagulation (APC) via bronchoscope. Results 19 patients were followed up for 6-132 months (mean 58.11 months) and the recent effective rate was 100%, cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath and other symptoms improved significantly.And full effectiveness was achieved in 10 cases (53%), partial in 5 cases (26%), mild in 4 cases (21%). The borg index of this 19 patients was declined from(3.5 ± 0.5)to(1.5 ± 0.6)after treatment, the difference was statistically significant (t=6.2, P<0.05)and no serious complications was occured. Conclusions APC via bronchoscope is an effective and safe method to treat endobronchial lesions which could resection of tumor effective , keep the airways open, improve the clinical symptoms rapidly, and provide a new treatment option for adenoid cystic carcinoma of trachea and bronchus. Key words: Trachea and bronchus; Adenoid cystic carcinoma; Bronchoscope; Argon plasma coagulation