Table 1. Benefits of pathology-proven and empiric SBRT.

Benefits of pathology-proven SBRT	Benefits of empiric SBRT
Confirmation of malignancy	Avoid CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy which for peripheral tumor which can be non-diagnostic in 5–35% of cases
Pathology for guidance of systemic therapy (i.e., small cell carcinoma or future therapies)	No risk of pneumothorax
If transbronchial biopsy is an option (i.e., central disease), EBUS nodal evaluation can be performed simultaneously	Safer than biopsy in patients on blood thinners, with tumors in difficult to biopsy locations, with numerous comorbidities
Avoid unnecessary SBRT if pathology is negative for malignancy	Biopsy can be obtained at relapse if needed
Increased cost-effectiveness (avoiding overtreatment of benign nodules)	–

SBRT, stereotactic body radiation therapy; EBUS, endobronchial ultrasound.