Robotic-assisted and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy for multi-focal lung cancers: a narrative review.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objective

The incidence of multi-focal lung cancers (MFLCs) has increased with the widespread use of low-dose computed tomography, posing significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly in differentiating multiple primary lung cancers from intrapulmonary metastasis. Surgical resection remains the standard treatment for early localized disease; however, it is often unsuitable for patients with multi-focal tumors, lesions near vital structures, or impaired lung function. This review aims to summarize current evidence on the use of minimally invasive bronchoscopic platforms, including robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB), in the diagnosis and treatment of MFLCs.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed

SUBMITTER: Liu W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12683444 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature