AHN Forbes Hospital Expands Lung Cancer Diagnostic Capabilities with New Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy Technology

Pittsburgh, PA - Allegheny Health Network's (AHN) Forbes Hospital is expanding its lung cancer diagnostic and care capabilities by introducing the Ion Endoluminal System, a state-of-the-art robotic-assisted bronchoscopy technology that helps catch lung cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.

This cutting-edge system now offers patients east of Pittsburgh access to precise and minimally invasive lung biopsy procedures, closer to home.

The Ion system, developed by Intuitive Surgical, is designed to help interventional pulmonologists navigate deep into the lung to reach small, peripheral nodules that might otherwise be inaccessible through traditional biopsy methods. The system's ultra-thin robotic catheter enters through the patient's mouth and throat, allowing for a guided, real-time, 3D imaging approach to bronchoscopy that enhances accuracy and precision in sampling tissue, and reduces complication risks for patients.

"This advanced robotic technology is truly a game-changer in our fight against lung cancer," said Mark Rubino, MD, President of Forbes Hospital. "By making this technology available locally, we're enabling our patients to have potentially life-saving biopsies and diagnoses close to home, reducing the need for travel and the associated stress during what can be a critical time in their care."

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer being the most common form. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential - the average five-year survival rate for lung and bronchus cancer is approximately 26%, and for lung cancer that has metastasized, the five-year survival rate is 8.9%, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, when the lung cancer is caught early and "localized," meaning it's confined to the primary site and hasn't metastasized to other nodes or organs, the five-year survival rate is 64%.

But traditional biopsy methods have a harder time reaching deeply situated lung nodules, leading to diagnoses only after the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

"With the Ion system, we can now biopsy lung lesions that were previously out of reach," said Giath Shari, MD, a pulmonologist at Forbes Hospital. "This system allows us to map out a pathway to the nodule, reach it with exceptional precision, and obtain tissue samples without requiring a more invasive CT-guided biopsy. That means we can provide diagnoses with a fraction of the previous risk of complications, enabling our team to act quickly if treatment is needed."

The American Cancer Society recommends annual lung cancer screenings using a low-dose CT scan for high-risk individuals, typically adults ages 50 to 80, who have a history of heavy smoking. If a suspicious nodule is detected, the Ion system allows pulmonologists to perform a biopsy and determine the next steps, which could include surgery, chemotherapy, or other targeted interventions.

"The sooner we can confirm or rule out cancer, the sooner we can move forward with an individualized treatment plan," said Hiran Fernando, MD, Director Thoracic Surgery at Forbes and Allegheny General Hospital. "With the multidisciplinary team we have at Forbes, including oncologists, radiologists, and thoracic surgeons, we're equipped to deliver comprehensive, high-quality lung cancer care in that community."

Since its initial deployment in 2021 at AHN's Allegheny General Hospital and, more recently, at AHN Saint Vincent in Erie, the Ion endoluminal system has shown great promise in helping pinpoint lung lesions and improve diagnostic accuracy.

Since launching the Ion Endoluminal System at Forbes Hospital, Dr. Shari and his team have performed multiple cases with excellent results, helping patients gain insights into their conditions and confidently plan their care. For more information about Forbes Hospital or AHN Cancer Institute-Forbes, visit https://www.ahn.org/locations/cancer-institute/forbes.