Staff, public explore advanced technology for diagnosis, treatment of lung cancer

Portsmouth Regional Hospital recently provided staff, physicians and the public with the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

The 18-wheel Thoracic Oncology Mobile Experience (TOME) Truck pulled up to the hospital on Monday, Sept. 29, and gave visitors the opportunity to learn about new, cutting-edge technology used to diagnose lung and other cancers, and to have a first-hand experience with the DaVinci robot, which can be used in a wide range of procedures including the removal of lung tumors.

Portsmouth Regional is the only hospital in Northern New England to offer 3D imaging integrated with robotic navigational bronchoscopy, which increases the success of biopsy of nodules that are identified on lung cancer screening CT scans. Pairing these technologies improves the success rate of diagnosing very early stage lung cancers, which can then be treated with a surgical resection.

“This technology is proving to be a game-changer for lung cancer patients,” said Dr. Bianca Monteiro, pulmonologist at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. “Lung cancer affects nearly a quarter million people in the U.S. each year. Smoking, vaping, secondhand smoke or a history of smoking, even if you’ve quit, plus Radon exposure and other air quality issues all put people at risk for lung cancer, and we want to emphasize the importance of lung cancer screening, which is both easy and non-invasive by using a low-dose CT scan.”

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer for both men and women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society, which estimates that there will be approximately 226,600 new cases and about 124,760 deaths from lung cancer this year in the U.S., accounting for nearly one in five of all cancer deaths.

“The good news is that the number of new lung cancer cases continues to decline,” said Dr. Antonio Lassaletta, thoracic surgeon at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. “We’re seeing fewer smokers today, and while the change has been slow, people are recognizing the importance of lung cancer screening. When caught early, most lung cancers can be treated and cured, allowing patients to live full and active lives.”

Those who fall into any of the categories below should consult their primary care provider about scheduling a lung cancer screening:

People ages 50 to 79 years old

Current or former smokers (or have quit within the last 15 years) with 20 or more “pack years” of smoking Haven’t had a CT scan in the past year

“Offering the ION plus 3D imaging is a unique combination in this area,” said Jermaine McMillan, vice president of oncology for HCA Healthcare’s New Hampshire market. “And it’s helping us to more quickly and effectively diagnose lung cancer so that we can provide appropriate cancer care as quickly as possible to our patients.”

In addition to diagnostics, Portsmouth Regional Hospital offers medical, surgical and radiation oncology services.