Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41808716›Full record

ReviewTranslational lung cancer research2026

Current advances in mediastinal staging for non-small cell lung cancer: a narrative review.

Fabrizio Minervini, Hannes Grünig, Peter Kestenholz, Thomas Gaisl, Savvas Lampridis

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Translational lung cancer research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Fabrizio MinerviniDivision of Thoracic Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3595-7307
Hannes GrünigDepartment of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland.
Peter KestenholzDivision of Thoracic Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland.
Thomas GaislDepartment of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Savvas LampridisDepartment of Thoracic Surgery, 424 General Military Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2827-5826

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background and Objective: Mediastinal staging, whether through non-surgical or surgical approaches, plays a pivotal role in the management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) due to its impact on therapeutic decision-making and prognosis. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of evidence-based strategies for mediastinal staging/restaging. Methods: This review analyzes current evidence on the role of non-invasive methods [endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), cryobiopsy, robotic-assisted bronchoscopy] and surgical techniques in mediastinal staging/restaging. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed/Medline/Embase/CENTRAL/CINAHL databases for relevant English-language studies published since 1996. Studies were selected based on clinical relevance, diagnostic performance, and integration into staging algorithms. A critical appraisal of indications, advantages, limitations, and future developments is provided. Key Content and Findings: The combination of EBUS and EUS offers high sensitivity and specificity for mediastinal lymph node assessment, with a favorable safety profile. Surgical staging remains crucial in selected cases, particularly when minimally invasive approaches yield inconclusive results or are negative in patients with high-risk features. Emerging technologies, including robotic-assisted platforms, may further enhance diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions: EBUS and EUS have become first-line tools for mediastinal staging in NSCLC, while surgical techniques continue to serve a complementary role. Cryobiopsies and robotic-assisted biopsies may represent a useful diagnostic tool even if so far large prospective data are missing. Future research should aim to refine patient selection, improve diagnostic precision, and personalize staging strategies.

Indexed as

mediastinal lymph nodesmediastinal stagingNon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Identifiers

PMID41808716
PMCPMC12969230

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.