Clinicians in the UK have successfully conducted robotic-assisted lung biopsies for the first time.
A significant step forward in medical innovation, it could prove ‘transformative’ for cancer patients.
A robot that can reach suspect lung tumours could diagnose cancer much earlier, reducing patient anxiety and speeding up treatment.
The pioneering procedure utilised the Ion Endoluminal System (Ion), a cutting-edge robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system developed by technology company Intuitive.
The technology was used for the first time in the UK at St Bartholomew’s and Royal Brompton hospitals.
Clinicians insert a thin and highly manoeuvrable catheter with a camera on the end into the lungs via the mouth to navigate to a potentially cancerous growth or lung nodule.
The Ion creates a 3D roadmap of the lungs, directing surgeons to hard-to-reach areas more precisely than ever.
This approach, which requires no incision, is less risky than other biopsy techniques that can potentially hit blood vessels and puncture the lung.
Clinicians can take a small tissue sample, with the results usually available within five days.
This recent breakthrough is part of an ongoing clinical study at the Royal Brompton Hospital and St Bartholomew's Hospital in London designed to explore the potential benefits of this novel approach.
Teams from both London hospitals are participating in the clinical study looking at the impact of this technology on early diagnosis.
Each hospital will recruit around 50 patients with suspicious nodules detected on computerised tomography (CT) scans.
St Bartholomew’s consultant Kelvin Lau said: ‘The UK is leading the way in lung cancer screening. However, only some lung nodules identified are cancerous and need treatment. Current biopsy techniques carry risks and are not always accurate, and many patients wait for a repeat scan. The uncertainty of the wait causes anxiety and could allow cancer to grow and spread.
‘With this shape-sensing robotic technology, I have the precision and stability to lock onto a very small lung nodule and obtain an accurate biopsy quickly and safely. This could transform early diagnosis and treatment, reduce the need for repeat scans and treat lung cancer earlier.’
Professor Pallav Shah, consultant respiratory physician at Royal Brompton Hospital, said:
‘When we see patients with cancerous lung nodules of more than 30mm, their five-year survival rate is around 68%, but if we can detect these nodules at a smaller size when they are less than 10mm in size, we are looking at a 92% survival rate.’
The UK is gearing up to introduce a nationwide lung cancer screening program, emphasising improving the early detection of cancers.
Earlier this year, the LIBRA study, led by The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing early lung cancer diagnosis. Intuitive has already placed over 400 Ion systems throughout the United States and aims to expand its presence in the UK and Europe.
Dr Oliver Wagner, Vice President and Medical Officer of Endoluminal at Intuitive, expressed his commitment to improving lung cancer outcomes, praising the UK's role in spearheading advancements in this critical field of medicine.
The aspiration is to create a positive shift in lung cancer care, ultimately improving patient prognosis and wellbeing.
Photo caption - St Bartholomew’s consultant Kelvin Lau (pictured) said: ‘The UK is leading the way in lung cancer screening.'
