CentraState Medical Center, part of Atlantic Health System, is taking a significant step forward in early lung cancer detection and diagnosis with the addition of the Ion endoluminal system, a robotic bronchoscopy platform for minimally invasive peripheral lung biopsy. This state-of-the-art technology allows pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons performing biopsies to navigate with exceptional accuracy using a shape-sensing catheter system to reach inside the lungs with more precision and stability for early diagnosis of lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths in the US.   

“When it comes to lung cancer, time to intervention is critical. This cutting-edge technology makes it possible to biopsy small, difficult-to-reach nodules in the peripheral lung while reducing risks of biopsy related complications,” said Alexander Itskovich, MD, medical director, Statesir Cancer Center at CentraState. With the addition of the Ion system and CentraState’s low-dose CT lung cancer screening program, physicians can now detect, monitor, and biopsy suspicious lung nodules in high-risk patients—even those located in hard-to-reach areas of the lungs—leading to earlier diagnosis. Individuals who are current or former heavy smokers are considered high-risk and may be eligible for the screening program. 

 “The ability to reach deeper into the lung with greater stability and control is a game-changer in identifying potentially cancerous nodules at an earlier stage,” added Rajagopalan Rengan, DO, advanced bronchoscopist, pulmonary and critical care specialist at CentraState Medical Center, a lead physician utilizing the Ion platform. “This technology paired with our screening program significantly enhances our ability to diagnose lung cancer sooner, which can ultimately improve patient outcomes.” 

Ion is designed to address a challenging aspect of lung biopsy by enabling physicians to gather tissue samples from deep within the lung. The Ion system features an ultra-thin, ultra-maneuverable catheter that allows navigation far into the peripheral lung and unprecedented stability enables increased biopsy precision compared to manual techniques.With the introduction of Ion, the Statesir Cancer Center at CentraState continues to advance lung cancer care for residents in central New Jersey, adding to its array of technologies and treatments such as low-dose CT screenings and minimally invasive robotic surgery. Further, as part of Atlantic Health System, CentraState offers access to top cancer specialists, clinical trials, innovative technology and treatments and support services across New Jersey. 

For more information about comprehensive cancer care at CentraState, visit centrastate.com/cancer.