An innovative technology, ion robotic bronchoscopy, that can help interventional pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons diagnose lung cancer earlier is available at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital together with Rutgers Cancer Institute in New Brunswick.
The American Cancer Society says lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for about one in five of all cancer fatalities. The ACS estimates for lung cancer in the U.S. for 2025 are about 226,650 new cases of lung cancer (110,680 in men and 115,970 in women); about 124,730 deaths from lung cancer (64,190 in men and 60,540 in women).
Utilizing advanced technologies including AI, radiomics, and innovative technology (Ion robotic bronchoscopy), interventional pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons can diagnose lung cancer earlier.
Using robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, doctors can now perform highly precise, minimally invasive biopsies on almost all nodules including the small, difficult-to-reach nodules in peripheral areas of the lungs where more than seven out of 10 of cancerous growths are located.
“Early detection and diagnosis are critical for lung cancer patients,” said Dr. Neil Ninan, director of pulmonary medicine, southern region, RWJBarnabas Health. “This technology is an important advance that helps us identify and access small, difficult-to-reach nodules and more easily perform biopsies enabling earlier diagnosis that can potentially lead to better outcomes for patients.”
Ion is used by interventional pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons to perform robotic-assisted bronchoscopy. The Ion is available at several other RWJBarnabas Health hospitals across the state as well. It uses unique shape-sensing technology and robotic-assistance to allow clinicians to navigate to nodules in all 18 segments of the lung and remove tissue for biopsy with precision and accuracy. Its minimally invasive approach means there may be less risk for some patients compared with other existing biopsy techniques.
“This technology offers significant benefits to individuals who are at high risk for lung cancer such as current or former heavy smokers, patients who have nodules present in difficult-to-reach areas, and patients with a history of cancer who have suspicious nodules that are currently being monitored,” said Ninan.
Lung cancer is more common than colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer and is responsible for more deaths than those cancers combined. In New Jersey, about 5,800 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. Nationally one out of four patients with lung cancer is diagnosed with early-staged disease where meaningful survival can be achieved.
