A practical framework for physicians and researchers to assess diagnostic bronchoscopy technologies in lung cancer

This review summarizes these methodologic advances and provides a practical framework for clinicians to critically appraise diagnostic bronchoscopy studies, compare technologies, and apply results to individual patients with suspected lung cancer. Emphasis is placed on appropriate reference standards, recognition of bronchoscopy as a multi-disease test, and the superiority of disease specific sensitivity over diagnostic yield for cross-study comparisons.