Beaumont RCSI Cancer Conference highlighted innovations in robotic breast surgery, digital neuropathology and lung cancer screening
More than 30 cancers have been detected thanks to a lung health screening project which has been used by over 14,000 participants in its first year, a conference has heard.
Delegates at the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Conference were updated on progress of the Beaumont RCSI Lung Health Check screening pilot.
The project is a first-of-its-kind pilot clinical trial in Ireland and involves the use of mobile scanning units with the aim of detecting lung cancer cases earlier and saving lives.
In its first year the project has screened more than 14,000 people across the HSE Dublin and North East region. The trial focusses on high-risk individuals, particularly current or former smokers, and has a participation rate of 75 per cent, which is higher than any other pilot internationally.
The lung screening process includes breathing tests and low-dose CT scans. Prof Daniel Ryan, consultant respiratory physician and clinical lead on the project, told conference delegates that the detection rate for lung cancer found through the trial currently stands at 1.5 per cent, which is in line with best international practice.
The event, held on Thursday, May 21, also heard how advances in robotics, digital pathology and early detection are transforming cancer care.
Prof Antonio Toesca, who leads the breast surgery program at Candiolo Cancer Institute in Turin, Italy, gave a keynote speech on robotic breast surgery
Prof Margaret Flanagan, chair of neurodegenerative diseases at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio also spoke of advances being made inn the area of digital neuropathology.
Consultant gastroenterologist Prof Danny Cheriyan discussed endoscopic resection of upper GI cancer.
Beaumont Hospital was the first centre in Ireland to perform Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection. The procedure provides patients with a minimally invasive, organ-sparing alternative to major surgery for selected early gastrointestinal cancers and complex precancerous lesions.
To date 90 per cent of patients undergoing this procedure have had a curative endoscopic resection.
Ahead of the conference, Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre clinical director Prof Patrick Morris said the event “provides an important platform to bring together clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals to discuss the latest developments shaping cancer care both nationally and internationally.
“We continue to see substantial developments in cancer care, and this year’s theme, ‘From Prevention to Personalised Care’, reflects the progress being made in earlier diagnosis, innovative surgical techniques, survivorship and long-term follow-up care. The conference highlights our continued commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred cancer services informed by research, collaboration and innovation.”
The centre’s scientific director Prof Leonie Young added: “This conference showcases the breadth of cutting-edge work taking place both across Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre and internationally, including advances in robotics, digital pathology, screening and personalised care.
“By bringing together experts from a range of disciplines, the conference also creates valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing that will help shape the future of cancer research and treatment.”