[Endoscopic treatment of bronchial cancer]

Endobronchial treatment plays a growing role in the treatment of bronchial carcinoma and other tracheobronchial tumours. Most patients are treated for the palliation of dyspnea or hemoptysis caused by a tumour located in a major airway. Different modalities are available for palliation including the neodymium YAG laser, endobronchial stents, cryotherapy and brachytherapy. Among other factors, the choice of the best modality or combination of techniques will depend on the degree of emergency and the characteristics of the tumour. Total ablation of small bronchial tumours (mainly at the in situ stage) can also be achieved, mainly by the means of photodynamic therapy. These different modalities, their indications and limitations in the treatment of tracheobronchial malignancies are discussed.