Lung Cancer Treatment

At Saint Peter’s, we pair our physician expertise with cutting-edge technology to offer the latest diagnosis and treatment techniques including endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), navigational bronchoscopy, CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System, and video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).

1. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a minimally invasive and highly effective diagnostic procedure in which a small flexible tube with a camera and ultrasound probe is inserted through the mouth and into the lungs. It allows for real-time imaging of the lungs, airways, blood vessels, and lymph nodes. During an EBUS, the pulmonologist can also obtain biopsies for diagnostic evaluation. Patients return home the same day as the procedure.
2. Navigational bronchoscopy is a diagnostic technique that allows access to difficult to reach areas of the lung, lymph nodes, and surrounding areas. Our highly skilled physicians can then take a tissue sample, or biopsy, in order to provide an accurate diagnosis. Navigational bronchoscopy allows place markers known as “fiducials” to be placed inside the body to help guide the radiation beams for treatment.
3. CyberKnife® is a robotic treatment system that uses external beam radiation to pinpoint tumors within millimeter accuracy. Unlike standard radiation, CyberKnife destroys tumors in four to five treatment sessions using high doses of radiation. Patients undergoing CyberKnife treatments typically do not need time to recover and they do not experience pain during treatment. No incisions are made during Cyberknife treatment and anesthesia is not necessary. This is an excellent treatment choice for patients with early stage lung cancer, recurrent or metastatic lung cancer.
4. Surgeons at Saint Peter's were pioneers in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). This  minimally invasive surgical procedure is used to access the chest cavity to operate on the lungs. Benefits of VATS over traditional surgery include shorter recovery time, less pain and risk of complications, and better quality of life after surgery.