Improving Cancer Probability Estimation in Nondiagnostic Bronchoscopies: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: In patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs), nondiagnostic bronchoscopy results are not uncommon. The conventional approach to estimate the probability of cancer (pCA) after bronchoscopy relies on dichotomous test assumptions, using prevalence, sensitivity, and specificity to determine negative predictive value. However, bronchoscopy is a multidisease test, raising concerns about the accuracy of dichotomous methods.

Breast and Lung Effusion Survival Score Models: Improving Survival Prediction in Patients With Malignant Pleural Effusion and Metastasis.

Background: Evidence-based guidelines recommend management strategies for malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) based on life expectancy. Existent risk-prediction rules do not provide precise individualized survival estimates.

Research Question: Can a newly developed continuous risk-prediction survival model for patients with MPE and known metastatic disease provide precise survival estimates?

Study Design And Methods: Single-center retrospective cohort study of patients with proven malignancy, pleural effusion, and known metastatic disease undergoing thoracentesis from 2014 through 2017.