AHN Pulmonary Specialists Welcome ‘Thoracic Oncology Mobile Experience’ to Pittsburgh Area Today

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Press Releases Medicine Institute

WHAT:
Allegheny Health Network (AHN) is advancing lung cancer diagnosis and care with a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system known as the Ion endoluminal system from Intuitive - a global technology leader and pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery. As part of a national tour from Intuitive including an 18-wheeler that is outfitted with the Ion and other robotic surgical equipment, AHN pulmonologists will welcome the 'Thoracic Mobile Oncology Experience' to the Pittsburgh area today at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry. Attendees of the mobile experience, including area physicians and clinical staff, will have an opportunity to participate in demonstrations and hands-on simulators of the robotic equipment.

While lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, it is treatable when detected early. Ion helps physicians diagnose lung cancer at its earliest stages when it is most curable. AHN interventional pulmonologist Sohini Ghosh, MD, began using the Ion at AHN's Allegheny General Hospital in 2020 and since then has completed more than 500 minimally invasive lung biopsy procedures using the equipment. In addition to AGH, the Ion is now available at AHN Wexford Hospital and AHN Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie. It will soon be available at AHN Forbes Hospital in Monroeville.

WHEN:
Wednesday, July 31^st
2-5 p.m.

WHERE:
Pittsburgh Marriott North
100 Cranberry Woods Dr, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066

WHY:
In the U.S., the average five-year survival rate for all stages of non-small cell lung cancer (the most common form) is approximately 26 percent, according to the National Cancer Institute. When suspected cancer is located deep in the peripheral lung, traditional biopsy methods often prohibit effective navigation through narrow airways to reach the affected nodules. As a result, many patients receive a lung cancer diagnosis after it has already spread beyond the initial tumor to other parts of the body. The Ion technology affords a faster, more efficient path to diagnosis, while sparing patients from undergoing potentially multiple invasive biopsy procedures which can delay the time to treatment.

The American Cancer Society recommends yearly screening for lung cancer with a low-dose CT scan for people 50 to 80 years old with a 20 pack-year or greater smoking history and currently smoking or quit less than 15 years ago. Patients should talk with their doctor about their eligibility for screening.

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