- Groundbreaking technology to accurately locate and diagnose early lung cancer reaches important milestone
- Technology enables multi-disciplinary techniques to treat and cure lung cancers with high precision
- New clinical trials using robotic intervention underway, providing novel options for lung cancer management otherwise not available in WA
- Future Health Research and Innovation Fund instrumental in acquiring the device
- Cook Labor Government committed to investing in medical research and innovation that makes a difference in the everyday lives of Western Australians
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital's new robotic bronchoscope, which is helping patients receive more accurate diagnosis of small cancer nodules in the peripheral lung, is celebrating its 100-case milestone.
This technology has greatly reduced the need for repeat procedures, resulting in better patient outcomes. Multiple diagnostic procedures were often required previously to diagnose suspicious high-risk nodules.
The robot's navigational expertise also allows diagnosis and placement of a glowing marker (or dye) to guide the lung surgical team at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital to locate and remove cancer nodules under a single anaesthesia event - enabling patients to have diagnosis and curative treatment together on the same day - an Australian first.
The robot-guided technology also enables the placement of fiducial markers to guide the CyberKnife, a highly precise radiotherapy device, that radiation doctors use to treat lung tumours with high doses of radiation while minimising damage to surrounding normal tissue.
This innovative robotic expertise is now allowing suitable Western Australian patients access to an international clinical trial evaluating a novel tracer injected directly into the tumour to enhance lung cancer treatment outcomes.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia, and responsible for almost one in five cancer deaths. It is often diagnosed late as many people do not notice any symptoms until the cancer is advanced.
The Cook Labor Government's Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund has been instrumental in acquiring this robotic device.
As stated by Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:
"This Western Australian-first program has already benefited the lives of 100 people, and I congratulate and thank all those involved at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital for driving the vision and delivering leading-edge patient outcomes.
"It's innovation like this that showcases the amazing and pioneering work being undertaken in WA, supported by the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund.
"The Cook Government is focused on driving WA to lead the nation in medical research, pushing WA forward as a national leader in medical research and innovation excellence that has real-world impact.
"The Future Health Research and Innovation Fund enables Western Australia to drive medical breakthroughs that benefit people locally, nationally, and globally.
"It's great to see technology delivering real results - better health outcomes, new industries and jobs, and a healthier, more prosperous future for WA."
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"The work of clinicians in this dedicated team at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital is nothing short of remarkable.
"100 Western Australians have benefitted from this groundbreaking technology already, and hundreds more will follow.
"Critical investments like the robotic bronchoscope are about ensuring everyone can access the healthcare they need, when they need it."
