Hybrid Argon Plasma Coagulation as a Novel Local Treatment Method for Superficial Mucosal Lung Cancer

Early identification and treatment are vital for managing central airway carcinomas, with endobronchial treatment recommended for patients who are unsuitable for or refuse surgery. Hybrid argon plasma coagulation (Hybrid-APC) is an innovative technique whose value in treating superficial mucosal lung cancer remains underreported. This prospective single-arm study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Hybrid-APC in adult patients with superficial mucosal lung cancer.

Eligible patients diagnosed with superficial mucosal lung cancer were treated with Hybrid-APC under general anaesthesia. The primary endpoint was the complete remission rate at 3 months post-procedure. The secondary endpoints included total procedure time, injected water cushion rate, progression-free survival, overall survival, and possible complications.

From December 2018 to November 2021, 15 patients were initially enrolled. Fourteen patients underwent Hybrid-APC treatment, and 10 patients eventually completed the primary endpoint at 3 months of follow-up. Pathological biopsies at 3 months showed no malignant tumour cells in 9 patients, indicating a complete remission rate of 90%. All Hybrid-APC ablations were successfully completed. The median total procedure time was 31.5 min (range, 14-60 min) with minor complications. The successful injected water cushion rate was 100%. The 3-year progression-free survival and overall survival estimates were 70% (95% CI: 32.9%-89.2%) and 90% (95% CI: 47.3%-98.5%), respectively.

Hybrid-APC appeared to be safe and efficient for superficial mucosal lung cancer, providing patients unfit for or refusing surgery with a promising alternative to surgical treatment.