Influence of narrow band imaging (NBI) videobronchoscopy on the assessment of central lung cancer extension and therapeutic decision.

Objectives: Determination of specificity and sensitivity of narrow band imaging (NBI) in the assessment of tumor extension in centrally located lung cancer, when compared to white light bronchoscopy (WLB) alone, and evaluation of possible influence of NBI on therapeutic decision in patients with lung cancer.
Patients and Methods: We evaluated 36 patients with suspected lung cancer. All patients underwent WLB followed by NBI bronchoscopy. We were using videobronchoscope BF-1T180 and EVIS LUCERA SPECTRUM processor unit.
Results: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for NBI in the assessment of tumor extension were 97.8, 85, 93.7, and 94.4%, respectively; and for WLB 92.3, 60, 69.6, and 88.9%, respectively. In 14 patients, NBI revealed more extensive tumor than WLB (p =.0057). In eight patients, NBI showed significant influence on therapeutic decision (p =.001).
Conclusion: NBI videobronchoscopy had better specificity and sensitivity in the assessment of tumor extension in centrally located lung cancer, and it might play a significant role in the therapeutic decision.