Combination of Argon Plasma Coagulation and Cryotherapy in Treatment of Central Type Lung Cancer

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of using argon plasma coagulation (APC) combined with cryotherapy via bronchoscopy in the treatment of central type lung cancer. Methods Overall 53 patients，including 46 cases of NSCLC，7 cases of SCLC with central type lung cancer were selected and treated with APC combined with cryotherapy via bronchoscopy.The evaluation includes the changes of the symptoms，pulmonary function，blood gas analysis，dyspnea index，the KPS scores and the degree of airway obstruction. Results Full effectiveness was achieved in 29 cases(54.7%)，partially in 21 cases(39.6%)，mildly in 2 cases(3.8%)and none in 1 case(1.9%).Only a few cases experienced mild to moderate hypoxemia transiently(19.9%). Conclusion The method of APC combined with cryotherapy is effective and safe in the treatment of central type lung cancer.