Eligible studies assessed an autofluorescence bronchoscopy system (index test) compared with a white light bronchoscopy system (comparator test) against histological result (reference standard) for the diagnosis of lung cancer and preneoplastic lesions (target condition). Patients had clinically or roentgenly suspected lung cancer or had atypical cells in their sputum. Studies had to report sufficient data to construct a 2x2 table of test performance and the definition of a positive reference standard result had to include "moderate dysplasia or worse" or "mild dysplasia or worse".
Mean age, where reported, ranged from 60 to 69 years. The autofluorescence bronchoscopy system used was the PDS-2000, AFI, SAFE3000, SAFE1000, LIFE or D-light.
The authors did not state how studies were selected for inclusion.