Table 1.
Advantages and disadvantages of different diagnostic methods for NSCLC (MRI—Magnetic Resonance Imaging, PET—Positron Emission Tomography, CT—Computed Tomography, FISH—Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization, PCR—Polymerase Chain Reaction, IHC—Immunohistochemistry, FDG—Fludeoxyglucose F18).
| Diagnostic Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| MRI | No ionizing radiation exposure | Limited availability and restricted access |
| Detailed imaging of soft tissues | Lower sensitivity for detecting small lesions | |
| PET | Detects metabolic and molecular changes | Higher cost and limited availability |
| High sensitivity for detecting metastasis | Potential for false positives due to FDG accumulation | |
| CT | Widely available and rapid access | Exposes the patient to ionizing radiation |
| High spatial resolution and early tumor detection | Potential for false positives due to benign lesions | |
| FISH Biomarkers | Provides genetic information about specific cancer subtypes | Requires specialized laboratory analysis |
| PCR Biomarkers | Provides genetic information about specific cancer subtypes, | Requires specialized laboratory analysis |
| IHC Biomarkers | Provides protein expression information, Helps differentiate cancer subtypes | Requires specialized personnel and equipment, results may vary depending on the method used |
| Next Generation Sequencing Biomarkers | Provides comprehensive genetic information | Requires specialized laboratory analysis |
| Liquid Biopsy | Non-invasive and lower risk for the patient | Lower sensitivity compared to tissue biopsy |
| Enables monitoring of genetic changes over time | Potential for false negatives due to low concentration | |
| Tissue Biopsy | Provides tissue samples for histopathological analysis | Invasive procedure with associated risks |
| High precision and detection of genetic mutations | Potential complications such as bleeding or infection |