Although there are only few studies about CBCT-guided percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy, the reported accuracy and sensitivity were 92% and 94%, respectively,

which are comparable CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy [65]. With the availability of specific chemotherapy and novel targeted therapy for lung cancer, the core biopsy should provide enough material for both diagnosis and specifically subtyping of malignancy. As some of the tumors show histological heterogeneity, particularly with regards to the expression of molecular markers, the core biopsies should be obtained from different parts of the lesion for adequate evaluation of this heterogeneity. Although obtaining multiple samples with using cutting needle and coaxial technique is a potential advantage, substantial advantages regarding sensitivity and specificity Gefitinib mouse need to be demonstrated in subsequent larger studies. Image-guided percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy is traditionally and technically performed by specialized radiologists. However, a multidisciplinary approach, including oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, thoracic surgeons, and/or pulmonologists, is required on a local or institutional level to standardize biopsy protocols for obtaining lung tissue with regards to CDK inhibitor the biopsy technique used, the number

of cores obtained and the types of histopathologic tests applied [3]. Such a multidisciplinary approach should be Thiamet G adopted whenever possible as it will help to fulfill emerging diagnostic requirements for the use

of novel therapies, avoid thoracotomy and unnecessary costs, limit patient stress and risks associated with repeat biopsies due to inadequate initial obtained samples and optimize patient treatment. Moreover, it will facilitate building local database and inclusion of patients in specific clinical trials. Image-guided percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy especially with CT guidance is generally considered safe technique with low complications rate and a high diagnostic yield for lung cancer. Various imaging modalities have been used for guiding the percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy based on lesion characteristics on CT images and an understanding of which image-guided technique will be safer. Additionally, radiologists should be aware of the increasing need for a specific histolopathologic diagnosis in order to optimize patient treatment of lung cancer with the novel therapies and achieve the most for the patient care. Funding: No funding sources. Competing interests: None declared. Ethical approval: Not required. “
“As per current World Health Organization (WHO) [1], lung carcinoma is subdivided into small cell and non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC). The latter compromise 70–80% of lung carcinoma. Although NSCLC consists of squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma, it was considered as one group mainly because of lack of specific therapy for various histologic subtypes.