An advanced technology known as Ion robotic bronchoscopy is now available at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute. This development aims to help clinicians detect and diagnose lung cancer earlier, particularly in patients with small or hard-to-reach nodules.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, responsible for about one in five cancer deaths. The American Cancer Society projects that in 2025 there will be approximately 226,650 new cases and 124,730 deaths from lung cancer nationwide. In New Jersey alone, around 5,800 people are diagnosed each year.
Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy enables doctors to perform minimally invasive biopsies on nearly all nodules within the lungs, including those located in peripheral areas where most cancerous growths are found. “Early detection and diagnosis are critical for lung cancer patients,” said Neil Ninan, MD, 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.”
The Ion system uses shape-sensing technology and robotic assistance to navigate all segments of the lung and collect tissue samples with precision. Its minimally invasive approach may reduce risks for some patients compared to other biopsy methods.
Dr. Ninan also noted that this technology benefits high-risk individuals such as current or former heavy smokers, those with hard-to-reach nodules, or patients being monitored due to a history of cancer: “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.”
RWJUH and Rutgers Cancer Institute promote early detection through their Lung Cancer Screening Program. The program provides low-dose CT scans, centralized scheduling with insurance support, smoking cessation services via the RWJBH IFPR Quit Center, coordination among specialists, interpretation services, and transportation arrangements.
Current screening guidelines target individuals aged 50-80 (up to age 77 for Medicare participants), who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years without symptoms of lung cancer or a recent chest CT scan. Eligible participants must also have a tobacco smoking history equivalent to at least 20 pack years.
Patients diagnosed with lung cancer at RWJUH can access specialized care at the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center on its academic medical campus. Opened fully in September this year as New Jersey’s only freestanding cancer hospital, the center offers advanced treatment options including clinical trials and precision medicine.
“Adding robotic bronchoscopy to our wide range of capabilities further demonstrates our academic medical center’s commitment to pursue every possible option to fight cancer,” said Andrew Evens, DO, Deputy Director for Clinical Services at Rutgers Cancer Institute and Chief Physician Officer at Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center. “Our patients can be assured that they have access to outstanding clinical care, researchers, clinical trials, advanced therapies, and cutting-edge treatments.”
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is a 724-bed academic medical center affiliated with RWJBarnabas Health. It houses several centers of excellence including heart care and pediatrics and serves as one of only three state-certified Level 1 Trauma Centers in New Jersey.
For more information about RWJUH programs or scheduling screenings visit www.rwjbh.org/newbrunswick
