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Review
. 2025 May;14(9):e70893.
doi: 10.1002/cam4.70893.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Tracheobronchial Tumors

Chen Shu  1   2 , Yu-Jian Liu  1   3 , Kai-Fu Zheng  1   4 , Xi-Yang Tang  1 , Meng-Chao Li  1 , Yang Shen  1 , Yu-Long Zhou  1 , Wei-Guang Du  1 , Nan Ma  5 , Jin-Bo Zhao  1
Affiliations
Review

Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Tracheobronchial Tumors

Chen Shu et al. Cancer Med. 2025 May.

Abstract

Background: Primary tracheobronchial tumors (PTBTs) are rare but life-threatening, accounting for approximately 0.2% of all respiratory neoplasms. Owing to their nonspecific clinical symptoms, PTBTs are often initially misdiagnosed as bronchial asthma or bronchitis in the early stages. In addition, standardized treatments for PTBTs are currently lacking.

Aims: This study aimed to provide a comprehensive review of this diagnostic challenge and treatment modalities of PTBTs.

Methods: Drawing on the latest literature and clinical guidelines, we carried out a comprehensive and systematic analysis of PTBTs, focusing on diagnostic modalities, and evidence-based treatment options.

Results and conclusions: Primary diagnostic methods for PTBTs include pulmonary function tests, chest radiography, computed tomography, and fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Computed tomography, and fiberoptic bronchoscopy may be the most valuable diagnostic tools for patients with PTBTs or those highly suspected of having PTBTs. Currently, there are no consensus guidelines for PTBTs, and surgery is the most effective method for treating PTBTs if the patients have indications for surgery. In addition, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and interventional therapy may be useful complementary treatments for inoperable patients. Immunotherapy may be a significant management strategy for PTBTs in the future. Further researches should concentrate on both the early identification and enhanced therapeutic management of these tumors to improve survival and diminish morbidity and mortality rates by investigating the optimal design of systematic therapy.

Keywords: diagnosis; immunotherapy; primary tracheobronchial tumors; surgical treatment; tracheal reconstruction.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Overview of diagnostic methods for PTBTs. Diagnostic methods for PTBTs mainly include pulmonary function tests (PFTs), chest radiography (CXR), computed tomography (CT), and fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB).
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Current major treatment modalities for PTBTs. Treatment approaches for PTBTs primarily contain surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, interventional treatment, and immunotherapy. Surgical treatment is the most probable curative solution for PTBTs.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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