Pictured from left, are Kristin G. Fless, MD, Chair of the Department of Medicine and Medical Director of Respiratory Services and Pulmonary Rehabilitation; Yu Maw Htwe, MD, Director of Interventional Pulmonology; Maria Dimi, Administrative Director of the Respiratory Care Department; and Patrick Anicette, BSRT, Kim Mencl, RRT, Dayana Chavez, RRT, Terry Bee, RRT, and David Gozali, RRT, from the Respiratory Care Department.
Recognizing the critical importance of early detection and treatment in combating lung cancer.
A new innovation that improves early diagnosis of lung cancer when it is most likely to respond to treatment is now in use at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (CBMC). Using Ion, a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy from Intuitive Surgical, doctors at CBMC can perform highly precise, minimally invasive biopsies of small, difficult-to-reach nodules in peripheral areas of the lungs where more than 70 percent of cancerous growths may be located.
Lung cancer is a leading cause of death in the US and accounting for about 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths. Catching it early dramatically improves the chances of survival and even cure.
“Using this minimally invasive technology, we can reduce the period of time from when an abnormal lung nodule is detected on a scan to when we can perform a biopsy, allowing our team to make a diagnosis and discuss additional testing and treatment options earlier,” explained pulmonologist Yu Maw Htwe, MD, Director of Interventional Pulmonology at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and an RWJBH Medical Group provider.
The Ion bronchoscopy platform features an ultra-thin, maneuverable catheter, with an integrated vision probe allowing physicians to extend their reach deep within the lung. Additionally, the tool has unique shape-sensing technology that gives doctors detailed, real-time information, and greater control of the catheter position to locate and take tissue biopsies with a high degree of accuracy when compared to a standard technique.
“We are excited to be able to offer this innovative approach to our patients in combination with the additional life enhancing options we provide,” added Dr. Htwe.
A Continuum of Care Through The Lung Cancer Institute
In the early stages, lung cancer often doesn’t have symptoms. As a result, being part of a lung cancer screening program is so important for those at risk. Once symptoms such as a persistent cough or shortness of breath are felt, the cancer has most likely grown and spread. The multidisciplinary team with The Lung Cancer Institute at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, has taken steps to be able to diagnose lung cancer early though a free lung cancer screening program and quickly provide the follow-up care that can mean a longer life for patients.
Additionally, CBMC has introduced the Incidental Lung Nodule Program, which uses artificial intelligence to identify patients with incidental lung nodules seen on scans ordered for other reasons, and enrolls them in a program where a specialist can provide appropriate follow up and recommend interventions if and when they become necessary. This allows the team to catch lung cancers early, even in patients with no risk factors who would otherwise not qualify for lung cancer screening.
If lung cancer is found, the multidisciplinary team at CBMC offers all forms of modern treatment modalities. “For example, using the most up-to-date robotic surgical systems, we can remove lung cancers with very little downtime and pain. This allows patients to heal faster and get back to living their lives sooner. It also avoids delays in patients that need additional treatment such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, explained Joanna Sesti, MD, Director of Thoracic Surgery, Northern Region, RWJBarnabas Health.
RWJBarnabas Health, together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, brings the most advanced treatment options close to home.
To schedule an appointment with one of our thoracic cancer specialists, call 844-CANCERNJ.