Management of hemoptysis in patients with lung cancer

Abstract

Hemoptysis related to malignancy is common and accounts for nearly a quarter of all cases of hemoptysis in the US, and approximately 20% of patients with lung cancer will experience some degree of hemoptysis during their disease course. Both minor and massive hemoptysis come with diagnostic and treatment challenges and are associated with increased mortality. We will discuss the definition and epidemiology of hemoptysis related to malignancy, outline our approach to the initial evaluation and diagnostic workup, and extensively review the management of minor and massive hemoptysis. Specific emphasis will be on relevant signs and symptoms, imaging, and the role of bronchoscopy, and the differences in approach for minor hemoptysis compared to massive hemoptysis. While the role of surgical management is very limited in this patient population, the role of endobronchial and endovascular management will be discussed in detail.

Introduction

Hemoptysis related to malignancy is a common and difficult problem to manage. Its presentation can be subtle or dramatic, which poses many challenges to the provider. Cancers of the thoracic cavity account for nearly a quarter of all cases of hemoptysis (1). Here, we will discuss the initial evaluation and diagnostic strategy when assessing a patient with hemoptysis of different severity, related to malignancy. Specific emphasis will be on relevant signs and symptoms, imaging, and the role of bronchoscopy. After identification, the management of minor and massive hemoptysis remains of high clinical importance because of high mortality rate without appropriate treatment (2). Although the role of surgical management is very limited in this patient population, the role of endobronchial and endovascular management will be discussed in detail.

Definition

In general, hemoptysis is defined as expectoration of blood, alone or mixed with mucous, from the lower respiratory tract. By most accounts, minor hemoptysis is considered to be less than 100 mL of blood expectorated in a 24-hour period (3-6) the definition of massive hemoptysis however, remains poorly defined in the literature because the terms used to describe the amount of hemoptysis are inconsistently utilized. Life-threatening or massive hemoptysis is defined by a larger volume of blood, while clinical instability is considered to be a better definition. Reported thresholds for massive hemoptysis in the literature range from 100–1,000 mL in a 24-hour period (6-9). Additionally, other terms such as “major”, “severe”, and “exsanguinating” have been used to define this clinical entity (10). Given lack of accurate reporting of a volume and rate of bleeding from patients and practitioners, volume-based definition of hemoptysis remains inadequate. It is for this reason that “magnitude of effect” may be more adequate to define massive hemoptysis. The “magnitude of effect” is based on clinical consequences of bleeding which may include: airway obstruction, intubation and hypoxemia hypotension, transfusion requirement, single-lung ventilation, and death (11,12).

Pathogenesis

In the setting of malignancy, there are multiple mechanisms of hemoptysis which likely plays a role in the volume and rate of bleeding. Causes of minor and massive hemoptysis include: neovascularization in and relative to the neoplasm, exfoliation of the tumor surface, tumor necrosis, irritation of tumor from cough, erosion of airways into surrounding vascular structures, and iatrogenic bleeding after airway procedure and systemic treatment (13,14).

Epidemiology and natural history

Hemoptysis is a common clinical finding reportedly responsible for 6.8% of outpatient pulmonary clinic visits and 11% of admissions to a hospital pulmonary service (12). It is important to highlight that minor hemoptysis is a much more common presentation of hemoptysis, and massive hemoptysis is relatively rare. In the United States, lung cancer is responsible for approximately 23% of all cases of hemoptysis (1). The highest incidence of bleeding occurs in patients with squamous cell histology, and massive hemoptysis was associated with both cavitation and tumor arising from or eroding through the central airways (15). The presence of cavitation prior to initiation of treatment was also shown to be associated with fatal hemoptysis (16). The source of hemoptysis is often from a bronchial arterial bleed within the tumor, less frequently from tumor erosion into the pulmonary artery (PA), and rarely from systemic arterial rupture (17,18). Of patients who present to the hospital with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), performance status, advanced age, and need for mechanical ventilation were independent predictors of in-hospital morality (17). Although rare; risk of death from hemoptysis has been shown to correlate with the rate of bleeding as well as malignant etiology. In 1987, Corey et al. described the mortality rate of patients with lung cancer and hemoptysis as 59%, and increased to 80% in patients who had both malignancy and hemoptysis >1,000 mL/24 hours (19). The widespread use of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) in the management of hemoptysis has significantly decreased mortality rates. Other factors that affect mortality include evidence of aspiration to the contralateral lung on radiography and hemodynamic instability (10).

Initial evaluation and diagnostic workup

Determining clinical stability remains the first priority when assessing a patient with hemoptysis. Assessment should include evaluation of patient’s ability to protect their airway, manage their secretions and bleeding, and cooperate with additional diagnostic testing. Once this is achieved, detailed history, physical exam, and laboratory data are important initial steps in evaluation of a patient with lung cancer and hemoptysis. Time of onset, estimated expectorated volume, and the rate of bleeding help to risk-stratify patients. Type of thoracic malignancy and location of the tumor also help to define bleeding risk (20); as has been previously stated, squamous cell histology poses the greatest risk of hemoptysis, followed by adenocarcinoma, small cell, and large cell in decreasing incidence (15). Massive hemoptysis is often preceded by weeks of sentinel minor bleeding (15). Sentinel bleeding in a patient with underlying lung cancer should prompt additional evaluation and diagnostic workup. Physical exam should focus special attention to the airway, and rule out extra pulmonary sources of bleeding. Laboratory data including type and cross-matching, complete blood counts with differential, coagulation profile, electrolytes, liver function, and arterial blood gas testing may provide additional clues. Other diagnostic testing should include imaging and or direct visualization, which will be described below.

Chest X-ray remains an important early step in initial assessment because of the widespread availability, ease to obtain, and low cost. Radiographs can help lateralize the location of the problem to a single side or lobe, which then can be used to guide additional testing such as bronchoscopy or angiography (21). In one study, X-ray determined the site of bleeding in only 45% of all-comers with hemoptysis, but included only patients with massive or “large” hemoptysis (22). In a prospective study of 57 patients from the United States with massive and minor hemoptysis, McGuinness and colleagues found only 19% of this cohort had localized radiographic findings (23). In a retrospective study by Herth et al., nearly a quarter of patients with known malignancy and acute hemoptysis were found to have a normal chest X-ray (24). As such, a normal chest X-ray should not exclude disease, but prompt further testing, including computed tomography (CT) and/or flexible bronchoscopy (FB).

There are two methods to evaluate the source of bleeding: CT and FB. While both are comparable in localizing the site of bleeding. CT can be a useful noninvasive tool to locate the cause of bleeding, and create a roadmap to guide additional therapies. Single- and multi-detector row CT scans can provide rapid, safe, and high-quality imaging of the entire thoracic cavity (21). CT aims to provide details about the mediastinum, lung parenchyma, and detect early cancer as a possible source for bleeding. As a consequence of hemoptysis, small airways and alveoli may have a distorted appearance, which may disguise more subtle early cancers. In addition, 2D and 3D image reconstruction of vessels and airway anatomy can be used by interventional radiologists, pulmonologists, and thoracic surgeons to guide invasive interventions. When CT is compared to bronchoscopy in patients with massive hemoptysis, CT is more effective at identifying the cause of bleeding (77% vs. 8%, respectively, P<0.001), while there is no significant difference in their ability to determine the site of bleeding (70% vs. 73%, respectively) (22). In a retrospective review of 270 patients with hemoptysis and normal chest X-ray, malignancy was identified in 26 patients who underwent further testing with CT and bronchoscopy. Of the 26 patients diagnosed with cancer, the underlying cancer was identified by CT scan in 96% compared to only 54% during bronchoscopy (25). This finding was also confirmed in a prospective study of 91 cases of hemoptysis; CT scan identified 34 tumors while bronchoscopy identified only 27 (26). CT also provides valuable information in the assessment for endovascular management (e.g., BAE) (27). While CT scan is more effective in diagnosing the underlying cause of hemoptysis; it requires the patient to have a secure airway for safe travel to a CT scanner. It is noteworthy that in the setting of minor hemoptysis, CT scan is often the most appropriate next step given its superior diagnostic utility and similar ability to localize the site of bleeding. In the setting of massive hemoptysis however, lateralizing the site of bleeding is of paramount importance. Once lateralization and early stabilization are accomplished, focus can be placed on diagnostic investigation of the underlying cause and exact location of hemoptysis. Bronchoscopy can be performed at the bedside and is a necessary tool in order to establish a secure airway. Hence, the order in which diagnostic tests and procedures are performed should be tailored based on patient’s presentation, minor vs. massive hemoptysis, and access to equipment.

Initial approach

The initial approach to massive hemoptysis should always begin with airway management and hemodynamic stabilization. Once stabilized, localizing the side of bleeding is critical in order to protect the non-bleeding lung. In the case of malignancy related hemoptysis, knowing the site of the primary tumor is key and because this is the likely source of hemorrhage; metastatic disease with bilateral lung involvement may be more challenging as there may be many potential bleeding sites. Once the bleeding side is established, it is important to place the patient in a lateral decubitus position with the bleeding side down (Figure 1). This uses gravity to help prevent spillage or aspiration of blood into the unaffected lung (27). Bilateral intra-alveolar infiltrates may be suggestive of “spillage” of blood into the contralateral non-bleeding lung and may indicate impending respiratory collapse (28).

Figure 1.

Patients with massive hemoptysis should be immediately placed into a position in which the bleeding lung is in the dependent position. Figure shows the view of the carina, in a patient with right upper lobe tumor hemorrhage, which was placed in dependent position followed by left main stem intubation and transfer to the operating room for rigid bronchoscopy.

Pre-procedural preparedness

A pulmonologist’s role in the evaluation of lung cancer has evolved significantly over the past 2 decades, and mere assistance in diagnosing the type of tumor has long been replaced with direct involvement in mediastinal staging, using endobronchial ultrasound guidance to localize and biopsy lymph nodes (29). For this reason, bronchoscopy is a commonly required procedure in the primary stages of lung cancer management.

Prior to any bronchoscopic procedure, it is important to perform a thorough review of a patient’s medical history, laboratory results, and medications. Disease states or medications causing abnormal coagulation factors, or platelet abnormalities should be identified. Anticoagulant medications should be held for the appropriate period of time and reversal agents employed if necessary. Consensus guidelines suggest platelet counts of >50,000 for transbronchial lung biopsy (30). Herth et al. established there was no increased bleeding risk with the continuance of aspirin during transbronchial lung biopsy (24). On the other hand, Ernst et al. found that clopidogrel, with or without aspirin, had significant higher bleeding risk in patients and recommended discontinuation prior to bronchoscopy with biopsy (31). There is insufficient data in regards to bleeding risk and the newer generation anti-platelet medications, but it is important to recognize the potential increased risk of bleeding and hold medications when possible. Uremia can also affect platelet function and should be recognized prior to any procedure. Management with uremic patients by prompt hemodialysis and administration of desmopressin have been shown to reduce the rate of bleeding in those with blood urea nitrogen (BUN) >30 mg/dL (32). Attention to these factors is important to minimize bleeding complications.

Management of hemoptysis

When dealing with hemoptysis in the setting of malignancy, the severity of hemoptysis dictates the next step in management. While diagnostic work up is the focus of management in the setting of minor hemoptysis, airway stabilization is of utmost importance in the setting of massive hemoptysis. Defining the magnitude of effect is of paramount importance during the first encounter for hemoptysis. While differentiating minor from massive hemoptysis is a simpler task, the threshold to aggressive airway management in the setting of moderate vs. massive hemoptysis is less clear. Patient ability to clear airway secretions with an effective cough, in addition to underlying lung disease and pulmonary function test, play a vital role.

Establishing a secure airway

While the approach and management of massive hemoptysis is often outlined as a stepwise approach, these steps often need to occur simultaneously in order to successfully manage this life-threatening condition. The decision of whether to intubate or not should occur rapidly. Significant shortness of breath, inability to handle the amount of hemoptysis or secretions, poor gas exchange and/or worsening hypoxemia, hemodynamic instability, or rapid ongoing hemoptysis are all indications for intubation (18,33).

When choosing an endotracheal tube (ETT), it is important to consider the size of the tube and single lumen vs. double lumen ETT (DL-ETT). The fastest and preferred method of intubation is with a large bore single lumen ETT at least ≥8 mm inner diameter, and ideally 8.5–9 mm inner diameter. The large inner diameter allows for the use of a therapeutic bronchoscope and other tools such as bronchial blockers (10). Although, DL-ETT may seem to be a logical choice in the setting of massive hemoptysis to allow single lung ventilation, there are several downsides that make DL-ETTs a poor choice in the setting of life-threatening hemoptysis. First, they require placement and management by expert practitioner. Furthermore, the inner working channels are very small and can occlude with clots, and the small lumen diameter do not permit the passage of larger flexible bronchoscopes to facilitate suction of obstructive clots. Right or left main-stem intubation using bronchoscopic guidance with a large bore single lumen ETT is preferred over a DL-ETT (10).

In the setting of a patient with an ETT, we recommend immediate FB with a therapeutic bronchoscope to clear the airways of clots, allowing for adequate gas exchange and ventilation. This will also allow for airway inspection and localization of the bleeding source. Once the airways are free of blood clots and the bleeding source has been identified, mainstem intubation of the nonbleeding lung may be considered to avoid aspiration of blood. It should be cautioned that during right mainstem intubation, the ETT cuff will occlude the right upper lobe (RUL) bronchus and may further impair gas exchange (27).

Localizing the bleeding source

Minor hemoptysis secondary to malignancy can be investigated with CT and FB after detailed history and physical examination has been completed. Though minor hemoptysis is often managed in the inpatient setting, it can occur in the outpatient setting as well. While the role of FB in minor hemoptysis is limited, as discussed above, it may add additional value in the diagnostic work up when endobronchial or endotracheal tumor erosion is suspected. For example, slow oozing of hypervascular endo-luminal tumors can be detected using FB.

In comparison to minor hemoptysis, identifying and lateralizing the bleeding lung is a vital step in the management of massive hemoptysis. In the case of malignancy, a prior knowledge of tumor site may help in investigating the side of bleeding. However, hemoptysis is the primary presenting sign of malignancy in 7–35% of cases (1,2,13,34); thus, the cause and location of bleeding might be unknown at presentation. Again, the role of FB in lateralization with the intent of stabilizing in patients with massive hemoptysis should be reemphasized (18).

Bronchoscopy has been shown to successfully identify the site (and not necessarily the location) of hemorrhage in 73–93% of episodes of massive hemoptysis (4,22,35). It allows for immediate lateralization and emergent endobronchial management, including airway clearance, unilateral intubation, or endotracheal intubation and mainstem balloon occlusion of the hemorrhaging lung. Furthermore, FB may be beneficial in patients with bilateral lung abnormalities making radiographic localization challenging (27).

Isolation of the hemorrhaging lung and airway

Bronchial blockers

Bronchial blockers should be considered in the setting of rapid, large volume hemoptysis that persists despite conservative measures such as iced saline. Bronchial blockade prevents the aspiration and contamination of blood in the contralateral lung, ultimately allowing for adequate gas exchange and stabilization of the patient. This provides sufficient time for further diagnostic testing and more definitive management. Bronchial blockade can also result in tamponade, clot formation and temporary hemostasis (36).

Several commercially available bronchial blockers such as Arndt blocker, Cohen Flexitip blocker, Fuji Uniblocker, and the EZ Blocker may be used (37,38). A bronchial blocker consists of a long flexible catheter (4.5–9 F, 65–78 cm length) that is inserted through the ETT, usually with bronchoscopic guidance to the bleeding airway. The distal end of the catheter contains a cuff that can be inflated in the main stem or lobar branches. Since bronchial blockers are prone to dislodgement, they are usually placed in a large airway (e.g., left main bronchus, right main bronchus or bronchus intermedius). An adapter at the proximal end of the ETT allows separate ports for entry of the blocker, bronchoscope and attachment of ventilator tubing simultaneously (39). The use of a bronchial blocker is a temporizing measure often used in the first 48–72 hours of hemoptysis; daily FB should be performed to monitor for bleeding as well as the position of the blocker (40). Leaving the blocker in place for longer durations increases the risk of post-obstructive atelectasis, pneumonia, compression trauma and necrosis of the bronchial wall mucosa (27).

PA catheters have been used in the past to manage massive hemoptysis. The advantage of using a PA catheter is that the smaller catheter can be deployed and inflated distally into smaller bronchi and the inflation pressure can be measured and altered according to the size and location of the bronchus where the PA catheter is deployed. In a case series of three non-oncological patients (41) this technique was used to block segmental or sub segmental bronchi with an inflation pressure of 30–50 mmHg. The method was successful in controlling massive hemoptysis in all three cases within 48 hours. However, this technique is rarely employed because blockade of a larger airway is often necessary as the exact bleeding source cannot usually be identified.

Therapeutic measures

Conservative management of massive hemoptysis is thought to offer only temporary therapeutic effect with 50–100% recurrence rate in the absence of more definitive measures (42-47). There is limited literature on the role of conservative management of minor hemoptysis.

BAE, as well as endobronchial treatment such as ablation, tumor debulking, and surgery, are among the acceptable therapeutic options, each with varying degree of success.

Airway isolation with bronchial blockers and endobronchial use of iced saline and vasoactive agents are among the conservative methods of hemoptysis management. In recent years, other adjunctive therapy, such as tranexamic acid (TA) has been used, primarily in the setting of minor to moderate hemoptysis.

Bronchoscopic interventions

Endobronchial therapeutic installation

Endobronchial instillation of various agents is used in an attempt to obtain hemostasis, particularly when the source of bleeding is beyond reach of the bronchoscope (48,49). In the 1970s, Conlan et al. (50) used ice-cold saline irrigation in 12 patients with massive hemoptysis defined as >600 mL of blood within 24 hours. In their study, irrigation with 4 °C normal saline in 50 mL aliquots was performed using rigid bronchoscopy. Each patient underwent 300–750 mL of ice-cold saline lavage to the bleeding site. Hemostasis was achieved in all 12 patients. Transient bradycardia during irrigation was noted in one patient, and two patients experienced recurrent hemoptysis in the same hospitalization. All patients were discharged from the hospital without additional intervention and three patients with bronchiectasis had followed up elective surgical resection. Though Conlan’s results in treating massive hemoptysis with iced saline seems promising in benign conditions—none of the patients in this series had a thoracic malignancy. Zamani et al. (51) described two patients who were effectively treated with intralesional hexacapron insufflation to control bleeding. A Japanese by Tsukamoto et al. (48) showed good experience with endobronchial fibrinogen—thrombin infusion resulting in hemoptysis cessation in 31/33 patients, again, none of the patients had a thoracic malignancy. Epinephrine and norepinephrine have been used in several cases of hemoptysis following transbronchial lung biopsy to control bleeding, however the literature reports many different doses and dilutions of epinephrine (52-56). Mall et al. reported the use of 1:1,000 epinephrine on 21 patients undergoing endobronchial biopsies in an average dose of 0.12 mg of epinephrine injected endobronchially after the biopsy with acceptable results (57). Cardiac arrhythmia has been noted with epinephrine doses as low as 0.1 mg and caution must be exercised with endobronchial instillation. Due to the dilution effect of these agents within the airway, the role of vasoactive agents in the setting of massive hemoptysis is questionable at best. Valipour et al. (58) described a method of bronchoscopy-guided topical hemostatic tamponade therapy (THT) in patients with massive hemoptysis. THT was performed on patients with persistent endobronchial bleeding despite wedging, cold saline solution lavage, and regional instillation of epinephrine. The hemostatic agent used was oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC), which is a sterile, knitted fabric, which swells into a gelatinous mass that aids in the formation of clot after it has been saturated with blood. THT was successfully performed in 98% of patients (56/57) with an immediate cessation of hemoptysis. In this series 20 (35%) patients suffered from cancer related hemoptysis and 13 of them died from their underlying malignancy during the follow-up period. Follow-up bronchoscopic studies in a subgroup of 14 patients showed complete absorption of the material used for THT with no histological evidence of foreign body tissue reaction.

Given the low risk profile reported with the use of iced normal saline, its availability and ease of use, we recommend to begin with endobronchial 4 °C normal saline to accomplish hemostasis. If epinephrine and norepinephrine is considered, we recommend the use of lower concentrations (1:100,000) in 2 mL aliquots, not exceeding maximum dose of 0.6 mg, close cardiac monitoring and limitation of use in patients with underlying coronary artery disease and cardiac arrhythmias (59). THT using ORC, where available, can be performed when other endobronchial strategies fail.

Argon plasma coagulation (APC)

APC is a non-contact method of inducing thermal photocoagulation (44,60,61). This is achieved by using argon, an inert gas, to act as the medium for conduction of electricity. APC photocoagulation induces clot formation and is an effective way to control bleeding in hemoptysis originating from airway wall mucosa (Figure 2). Morice et al. analyzed the use of APC during airway tumor debulking and hemoptysis in sixty patients (43). In this cohort, indications for intervention were hemoptysis (n=31), symptomatic airway obstruction (n=14), and both obstruction and hemoptysis (n=25). Six of these patients had hemoptysis >200 mL per day. There was immediate resolution of hemoptysis in all patients, with no recurrence during a mean follow-up period of about three months.

Figure 2.

Bleeding submucosal tumor infiltration of bronchus intermedius, isolated with the bevel of the rigid bronchoscopy (A), while blood is effectively suctioned for airway clearance and treatment with argon plasma coagulation (B). View of the carina shows complete isolation of hemorrhage and protection of the left main stem from blood spillage (C).

Endobronchial electrocautery

Endobronchial electrocautery is another effective method to treat hemorrhaging endobronchial tumors. In this method direct electrical energy is transferred to the tissue by contact with electrical energy converted to heat, resulting in coagulation and necrosis. The availability of cautery blades and snares make this a very effective method to debulk endobronchial tumors (40,44).

Laser therapy

Laser, mainly Neodymium-Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd: YAG) emits a focused beam of light that when absorbed by tissues is converted to heat, producing local effects such as photocoagulation, vaporization and necrosis. Laser therapy has been extensively used since the 1970s for management of airway tumors (62,63). Although still primarily used to debulk airway tumors, the photocoagulation effect of laser makes it attractive in the management of hemoptysis (44). Dumon et al. (64) demonstrated effective hemostasis using laser in mild and moderate hemoptysis in over 1,500 patients. They achieved the hemostatic effect using mostly rigid bronchoscope and photo resection with vaporization of underlying tumor using Nd: YAG laser therapy. Encouraging evidence have also been provided by Han et al. in their series of 110 patients treated by 153 Nd: YAG laser sessions for endobronchial tumors (42). Hemoptysis was successfully treated in 40 (77%) of 52 cases. Nine (17%) patients had reduction in the amount of hemoptysis, while the therapy was unsuccessful in three (6%). Consequently, endobronchial laser therapy is considered an effective method in the management of tumors eroding the airway wall with resultant hemoptysis.

All three thermal techniques APC, cauterization and laser when exposed to oxygen might ignite a spark and result in endobronchial fire. Caution must be exercised when using thermal ablative methods and it is prudent to maintain FiO₂ of less than 0.4 during treatment application.

Extrathoracic radiotherapy (RT)

In the last 3 decades several studies in advanced primary lung cancer have shown a moderate effect of RT on hemoptysis, though, only palliative (65-67). RT might be a useful palliative modality for hemoptysis secondary to metastatic disease with up to 82% effectiveness (68). As our knowledge and technology have advanced, RT is now seldom used for palliation and only rarely as a treatment modality in hemoptysis.

Brachytherapy

The first application of this modality to treat airway neoplasms was introduced in the 1920s (69,70). A radioactive emitting element mounted on wire is inserted through FB and advanced to the proximity of the neoplasm. Obstructing tumors (even in the setting of partial obstruction) should be de-bulked before introduction of brachytherapy as it can cause inflammation and sequential luminal obstruction. With brachytherapy, mild hemoptysis (71) is alleviated substantially, but the use of this modality in massive hemoptysis is limited.

Endobronchial stents

Endo-bronchial stents, primarily silicone, are vastly used for palliative treatment of obstructive airway malignancies (72). Few small series and case reports have found airway stenting to be effective in controlling hemoptysis due to lung cancer (73,74). In most cases, stents were placed after failure of other endobronchial modalities or after laser debulking (Figure 3) (75,76). Most of the stents are deployed using rigid bronchoscopy with isolation of the bleeding bronchial orifice or tumor (69,70,77). When BAE fails, endobronchial stents often in combination with other endobronchial management strategies, are an option in control of hemoptysis.

Figure 3.

Endotracheal bleeding tumor (A), managed by laser, tumor debulking followed by stent placement (B), to tamponade a bleeding tumor, and maintain airway patency.

BAE

When massive hemoptysis or recurrent hemoptysis occurs in a patient with thoracic malignancies, conservative and endobronchial methods are often of limited efficacy (19).

First introduced in 1974, BAE is now widely used, often as a first line and definite therapy in the management of massive hemoptysis (45-47). Arteriogram is performed, commonly via femoral artery cannulation. Embolotherapy of the offending bronchial artery is performed using one of many agents including: gelatin sponge, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles, microspheres, liquid embolic agents such as n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, and metallic coil. Each agent has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of agent depends on the operator’s preference and institutional protocols (45).

The success rate of BAE in general, ranges from 60% to 90% (45-47) with immediate bleeding control in cancer related hemoptysis reaching 77–82% (78,79). In a study of 52 patients, Fruchter et al. (45) report immediate BAE technical success of 92% (48/52) within the first 24 hours. Recurrent bleeding occurred in 26 of the 52 patients overall (50.0%); of the malignancy related hemoptysis, 12 of the 16 patients suffered re-bleeding. Most of the recurrence happened during the first month. In a separate study by Fernando et al., malignancy related hemoptysis was associated with a higher likelihood of late bleeding recurrence (47).

Another series by Seki and Shimono (80) evaluated injection of chemotherapy (cisplatin and fluorouracil) to the tumor feeding arteries followed by embolization with HepaSphere or gelatin sponge particles. They report 90% resolution of hemoptysis.

Despite immediate control of bleeding in most malignancy induced hemoptysis, recurrence of malignancy related hemoptysis is common even after BAE. Complications of BAE, although infrequent, include self-limiting chest pain, self-limiting dysphagia from non-target embolization to the esophagus, and transverse myelitis from non-target embolization to the spinal artery (81,82).

Surgery

The role of surgery in hemoptysis has decreased over time and is now reserved for situations when the aforementioned interventions fail. Surgery remains the procedure of choice in the management of massive hemoptysis secondary to iatrogenic PA rupture, chest trauma and aspergilloma resistant to other therapeutic options (83,84). Unfortunately, for a patient with hemoptysis related to thoracic malignancy, due to the tumor stage and disease burden, surgery is rarely an option (85-87).

Other adjunctive therapies

TA is a synthetic lysine analogue with anti-fibrinolytic activity by inhibiting the activation of plasminogen to plasmin and by blocking the action of plasma plasmin (88). In certain cases of hemoptysis, oral or nebulized application of TA might be effective in controlling the bleeding (89-92). Though most reports deal with non-cancer related hemoptysis some small case series have showed a significant effect of inhaled and intravenous TA in malignancy related hemoptysis (93,94).

In a recent double-blind randomized trial in 47 patients, Wand et al. (95) studied the safety and efficacy of inhaled TA vs. placebo in patients with non-massive hemoptysis. Forty-seven patients were randomized to receive TA inhalations (n=25) or normal saline (n=22). TA was associated with a significantly reduced expectorated blood volume starting from day 2 of admission. Resolution of hemoptysis within 5 days of admission was observed in more TA-treated patients than in those receiving placebo (96% vs. 50%; P<0.0005). Mean hospital length of stay was shorter for the TA group (5.7±2.5 vs. 7.8±4.6 days; P=0.046), with fewer patients requiring invasive procedure (0% vs. 18.2%; P=0.041). No side effects were noted in either group throughout the follow-up period. The investigators noted a reduced recurrence rate at 1-year follow-up (P=0.009). It is however noteworthy, that the authors’ definition of massive hemoptysis was expectorated blood >200 mL/24 hours, while most published literature uses a different definition of massive hemoptysis. Hence, it is most reasonable to conclude that in this study, inhaled TA was effective and safe in the setting of hemoptysis of 200 mL/24 hours magnitude. In this series there were only 18 patients with malignancy induced hemoptysis, nine patients were treated with inhaled TA. Unfortunately, no subgroup analysis was performed to assess the efficacy in this group.

Conclusions

Hemoptysis is a common presentation in patients with lung cancer, although massive hemoptysis occurs in only 3% of patients. It is vital to investigate the source of hemoptysis is the setting of malignancy as most massive hemoptysis occurs following sentinel bleed history and should be taken seriously. While the primary focus of minor hemoptysis management includes source identification and treatment in a semi-elective setting, the management of massive hemoptysis requires immediate attention to establishing and securing an airway followed by source identification and treatment. A multidisciplinary approach is required when managing malignancy induced hemoptysis. The literature on the diagnosis and treatment of hemoptysis is primarily from retrospective studies with heterogeneous population including both malignant and non-malignant etiologies and should be applied with care. Future prospective multicenter trials in the setting of malignant hemoptysis are required, to further assess the efficacy of different treatment modalities.