Robots Revolutionize Lung Cancer Diagnosis in Teesside

Patients in Teesside will soon benefit from a groundbreaking advance in lung cancer diagnosis, thanks to the deployment of robotic technology at the University Hospital of North Tees. This initiative aims to enhance early detection and improve treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients across the North East and North Yorkshire region.

In May 2025, the University Hospital of North Tees launched a pilot programme featuring the Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscope, marking a significant milestone as the first hospital in the area to implement this advanced technology. Funded by the Northern Cancer Alliance, the Ion system enables clinicians to access hard-to-reach areas of the lungs using a 3.5mm catheter equipped with shape-sensing technology. This innovation is particularly crucial since over 70% of early lung cancers are typically found in these inaccessible regions.

A dedicated team of chest physicians, including Dr. Vandana Jeebun, Dr. Julia Dunleavy, and Dr. Victor Chew, along with Mr. Ben Waterhouse, a thoracic surgeon based at The James Cook University Hospital, operates the new service. Dr. Jeebun emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis in improving survival rates, stating, “The Ion system is supporting us in doing this – allowing us to diagnose earlier and more accurately, reducing the need for invasive procedures and speeding up access to life-saving treatment.”

The robotic bronchoscope presents a significant advantage by allowing minimally invasive biopsies, thus reducing risks associated with traditional surgical options. The procedure involves inserting the bronchoscope through the patient’s mouth while under general anaesthetic, using real-time imaging and GPS-like navigation to guide clinicians to suspicious nodules swiftly and accurately.

Dr. Chew shared a specific case demonstrating the technology’s impact: “We recently had a case of a patient with a growing hamartoma – a benign lung lesion – who had been under observation for 18 months due to slight growth. Under the conventional pathway, this patient would have required a surgical biopsy. With Ion, we were able to perform a minimally invasive biopsy, confirm the lesion’s benign nature and spare the patient from unnecessary surgery.”

The introduction of the Ion system not only enhances diagnostic capabilities but also alleviates pressure on existing CT-guided biopsy services. As a result, the respiratory team is now equipped to manage a higher volume of patients, aligning with NHS England’s 10-year health plan aimed at improving early diagnosis and addressing health inequalities.

The success of this pilot programme reflects the strength of collaborative efforts among various healthcare professionals, including anaesthetics teams, endoscopy staff, biomedical scientists, and radiographers. Together, they are committed to providing a patient-centred diagnostic service that exemplifies innovation and excellence in healthcare.

Lung cancer remains the third most common cancer in the UK and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In the North East and North Yorkshire, lung cancer rates are among the highest in the country. The introduction of robotic technology at the University Hospital of North Tees stands as a promising development in the fight against this formidable disease, offering hope for improved outcomes for patients across the region.