Table 1

Summary of the effectiveness of endobronchial debulking techniques

Effectiveness in palliating symptoms (% patients)Effectiveness to open airway (% patients)
PDT100%180%2
Brachytherapy69–90%1 3 478–85%1 3 4
Cryotherapy70–93%1 5–777–79%1 5–7
Cryoextraction>90%883–91%8
Laser63–94%9–11>90% in trachea2
60–70% for more distal lesions2 9–11
Diathermy70–97%11–1388%11–13
APC100% of haemoptysis1491%1 14

  • APC, argon plasma coagulation; PDT, photodynamic therapy.