Montefiore Einstein's Comprehensive Lung Program is transforming lung cancer care through advanced technology and streamlined treatment approaches. The Program has seen remarkable growth, reaching 3,000 lung cancer screenings in 2024, while applying new techniques for early detection and minimally invasive treatment. This exponential growth reflects both increased community engagement and the Program's commitment to comprehensive care for the Bronx community and beyond.

"We've assembled one of the city's strongest multidisciplinary teams," says Brendon M. Stiles, MD, Chief of Thoracic Surgery and Surgical Oncology. "Our collaborative approach allows us to focus on the entire patient journey, from screening through treatment, bringing together expertise from radiology, pulmonology, oncology and diagnostics to deliver personalized care plans. This synergy between departments truly sets us apart."

A cornerstone of this progress is the Program's new robotic bronchoscopy suite at Jack D. Weiler Hospital, complementing their Moses Campus facility. This technology enables safer, more accurate biopsies of small lung nodules through minimally invasive techniques. The sophisticated software guides physicians through seventh- and eighth-generation airways with unprecedented precision, while real-time imaging capabilities allow for both 2D and 3D visualization during procedures. The use of mobile computed tomography CT scans further enhances detection and diagnosis, enabling rapid assessment in high-risk patients.

"Previously, we were limited in our ability to biopsy very small nodules," explains Interventional Pulmonologist and Assistant Professor Hyun S. Kim, MD. "Now, we can accurately access nodules as small as 4-6 mm, leading to increased early-stage cancer detection and decreased late-stage diagnoses. Our diagnostic accuracy has improved from the 70-80% range to the low 90s, well above the national average. This technology has truly transformed our ability to provide early intervention."

The program has also implemented same-day diagnosis and treatment for select patients. Using fluorescent markers during robotic bronchoscopy, surgeons can precisely locate and remove small lesions in a single procedure, significantly reducing treatment timelines for eligible patients. This innovative approach is particularly beneficial for patients who might face challenges with multiple hospital visits and allows for lung-sparing surgery when appropriate.

"Our integrated approach between interventional pulmonology and thoracic surgery is unique," notes Thoracic Surgeon and Assistant Professor Marc Vimolratana, MD, MS. "We share procedural spaces and regularly collaborate on cases, leading to more efficient and comprehensive care." The Program's follow-up assessment of lung nodules (FAST) clinic, led by Associate Director of Clinical and Translational Research, Neel P. Chudgar, MD, plays a crucial role in ensuring that patients with lung nodules receive appropriate follow-up care, particularly those whose nodules were discovered incidentally in the emergency department. This approach prevents patients from being lost in the system and ensures timely evaluation and treatment.

To remain at the forefront of its field, Dr. Vimolratana plays a key role in ensuring the Program stays up to date with the latest technology for a comprehensive range of thoracic procedures, including mediastinal mass resection, esophageal surgery and airway disorders. By proactively adopting new advancements, the Comprehensive Lung Program continuously refines its techniques, providing patients with the most advanced treatment options available.

"We're providing leading-edge lung care right here in the Bronx," Dr. Stiles emphasizes. "Our intimate team structure allows us to maintain open communication with referring providers while delivering the highest level of technological innovation. We strongly believe in the importance of patients maintaining their relationships with their primary care physicians and referring providers. When a provider refers a patient to us, we see it as a partnership—we work closely with them to ensure continuity of care and provide the best outcomes."