Milestone marked ahead of National Lung Cancer Screening Program launch.
 

Sydney Local Health District is marking a major milestone in the fight against lung cancer, with Concord Hospital performing its 100th cone beam CT (CBCT)-guided bronchoscopy. 

Concord became the first public hospital in Australia to offer the cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure to diagnose early lung cancer in August 2023. 

“It’s very timely that the service has thrived and continues to receive referrals, with the National Lung Cancer Screening Program launching in July,” said service founder Associate Professor Tajalli Saghaie. 

“The District is positioning itself to meet the increase in referrals that will come with the screening program.” 

CBCT-guided biopsies involve the use of a bronchoscope – a small camera inserted into the airways - guided by real-time CT imaging to diagnose lung nodules with greater precision and safety. 

“This procedure is a safer, more accurate way of diagnosing lung cancer and other conditions,” said fellow proceduralist Clinical Associate Professor Lauren Troy. 

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death globally.  

The demand for diagnostic procedures is expected to surge following the 1 July launch of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, which will offer free low-dose CT scans to Australians at high risk of lung cancer. 

“With Concord being the only public hospital service in NSW offering regular CBCT lists, the District has already doubled its service provision to meet growing need, even before the screening program has commenced.” Associate Professor Troy said. 

The District is planning to expand the service beyond Concord to ensure equitable access to high-quality diagnostics for people with suspected lung cancer.  

The service is part of a broader effort to improve access to advanced diagnostics across the public system, including Lung Nodule Clinics and multidisciplinary team meetings.  

Clinical Associate Professor Troy, Associate Professor Saghaie and colleague Professor Alvin Ing, have established the Sydney Interventional Pulmonology and Innovation Centre (SIPIC) – a collaboration between Concord and Royal Prince Alfred hospitals supported by philanthropic funding for lung cancer research. 

“This service, centred around innovative technology, high-precision diagnostics and comprehensive clinical care, aims to improve lives through timely, accurate diagnosis,” Associate Professor Troy said.  

“If we can diagnose cancers early, then the goal of screening to improve survival will be achieved.”