Revolutionary Robot-Assisted Bronchoscopy Enhances Diagnosis of Tiny Lung Tumors

Advancements in medical technology have led to a groundbreaking development in the diagnosis of small, hard-to-reach lung tumors. A recent study presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Amsterdam highlights the effectiveness of a state-of-the-art robotic-guided bronchoscope equipped with Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). This innovative system significantly improves the ability of physicians to locate and biopsy tumors as minute as 11 millimeters that traditional procedures often cannot reach.

The procedure employs a specialized CT scanner integrated with the robotic bronchoscope, enabling precise detection and targeting of hidden tumors buried deep within the lung tissue. In a controlled clinical trial involving 78 patients with a total of 127 abnormal lung growths, the robotic-assisted system demonstrated remarkable capabilities. Half of the participants underwent testing with this new technology, while the other half were subjected to conventional bronchoscopy guided by X-ray imaging.

Results showed that traditional techniques successfully biopsied only 23% of these tumors, whereas the robotic system achieved an 84% success rate. Moreover, when initial attempts with standard methods failed, the robotic system succeeded in over 93% of cases, showcasing its superior diagnostic ability. Among these patients, many were diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer, facilitating timely treatment and improving survival prospects.

Dr. Carolin Steinack, who led the research team from the University Hospital Zürich, highlighted the significance of these findings. While the technology currently involves a substantial investment, costing around €1 million per system, its ability to access nearly any region within the lung allows for more accurate early diagnosis, especially of tumors too small or inaccessible by traditional means.

The study also compared the robotic system to other guiding technologies, such as virtual 3D airway models and electromagnetic navigation, with the robotic approach outperforming both. Though adoption is still limited, the researchers anticipate that increasing availability will enable more patients to benefit from early detection.

Looking forward, the team plans to explore the use of this technology for combined diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including precise delivery of treatment to cancerous tissues. As the technology becomes more cost-effective and widespread, it promises to be a vital tool in combating lung cancer at its earliest stages.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-tiniest-lung-tumors-hardest-robot.html