Our Summary

This research study wanted to see if doing a second biopsy using a special method called MR-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) could help diagnose lung cancer in patients who had already undergone a first biopsy (using CT-guided PTNB) that came back negative. The study was based on 31 patients who had suspicious looking lung lesions but whose first biopsy results were negative.

The researchers used a 1.0T open MR-guided secondary lung biopsy to retest these patients. They found that 20 out of the 31 lesions (or about 65%) were actually malignant, meaning they were cancerous. These results were confirmed with further testing and follow-up.

The test did cause some complications like bleeding in a couple of patients and a collapsed lung in one patient, but none of the complications were severe.

In conclusion, the researchers found that for patients who have suspicious lung lesions but whose first biopsy came back negative, doing a second biopsy using this MR-guided method can be a safe and effective way to make sure the first biopsy didn’t miss any cancer.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of conducting a second biopsy with MR-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB)?
  2. What were the results of this research study and how were they confirmed?
  3. Were there any complications during the study, and if so, how severe were they?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing a lung biopsy to follow all pre-procedure instructions, such as avoiding food and drink before the procedure, and to inform the healthcare team of any medications they are taking. They may also advise the patient to follow post-procedure care instructions, such as resting and avoiding strenuous activity for a certain period of time. Additionally, the doctor may recommend following up with the healthcare team for any potential complications or concerns after the biopsy.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a lung biopsy include those with suspicious lung lesions that are suspected to be cancerous, but whose initial biopsy results were inconclusive or negative. This may include patients with symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss, as well as those with a history of smoking or other risk factors for lung cancer. Additionally, patients with known lung cancer who require follow-up biopsies to monitor disease progression or treatment response may also be recommended for a lung biopsy.

Timeline

Before the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient undergoes imaging tests like CT scans to identify suspicious lung lesions.
  2. Patient may undergo a first biopsy using CT-guided PTNB, which comes back negative.
  3. Patient may experience anxiety and uncertainty about the results of the first biopsy.

After the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient undergoes a second biopsy using MR-guided PTNB to retest suspicious lesions.
  2. Results show that a significant number of the lesions (65%) are actually malignant, confirming the presence of cancer.
  3. Further testing and follow-up confirm the malignancy of the lesions.
  4. Some patients may experience complications like bleeding or a collapsed lung, though none are severe.
  5. Researchers conclude that a second biopsy using MR-guided PTNB can be a safe and effective way to ensure accurate diagnosis of lung cancer in patients with initially negative biopsy results.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of a lung biopsy and why is it necessary in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a lung biopsy?
  3. How is MR-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy different from other biopsy methods?
  4. What are the chances of the second biopsy finding cancer that was missed in the first biopsy?
  5. How accurate is the MR-guided biopsy in diagnosing lung cancer compared to other methods?
  6. What is the recovery process like after a lung biopsy using this method?
  7. Will I need any follow-up tests or procedures after the biopsy?
  8. How long will it take to get the results of the biopsy?
  9. What are my treatment options if the biopsy results come back positive for cancer?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Yan XC, Liu M, Li PP, Guo XT, Xu YJ, He XM, Li CL. Journal: J Cancer Res Ther. 2021 Dec;17(7):1689-1695. doi: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1655_21. PMID: 35381740