Bronchoscopic ablation for non-small cell lung cancer

Bronchoscopic ablation is an emerging minimally invasive treatment option for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Techniques including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), pulsed electric field (PEF) ablation, and cryoablation have been evaluated in several feasibility and early clinical studies. These approaches demonstrate technical success with encouraging safety profiles and reduced complication rates compared to percutaneous methods. Bronchoscopic RFA and MWA have shown effective tumour ablation, though isolated mortality events underscore the need for further safety evaluation. PEF ablation has gained attention for its ability to preserve surrounding structures, with early signals of favourable immune activation. Cryoablation, though tested in small cohorts, has demonstrated feasibility with minimal major adverse events. Beyond local control, an emerging theme across modalities is the potential for these treatments to stimulate systemic anti-cancer immunity, with early evidence suggesting enhanced immune responses and possible synergy with immunotherapy. Despite these advances, most studies remain small, with limited follow-up and heterogeneous endpoints, leaving long-term efficacy and optimal technique unresolved. Larger prospective trials are needed to establish safety, durability of tumour control, and comparative outcomes versus established therapies. Nonetheless, the growing body of data highlights bronchoscopic ablation as a developing therapeutic option with the potential to expand lung-sparing treatment strategies and complement evolving immunotherapy paradigms.