Patients across the North East and North Yorkshire are set to benefit from earlier, safer lung cancer diagnosis thanks to cutting edge robotic technology at the University Hospital of North Tees.
In May 2025, the University Hospital of North Tees became the first hospital in the region to launch a pilot programme using an Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscope.
The state-of-the-art tool was funded by the Northern Cancer Alliance. It allows clinicians to reach previously inaccessible areas of the lung using a 3.5mm catheter and shape sensing technology. It means that healthcare staff can collect tissue samples from hard-to-reach nodules deep in the lungs – where over 70% of early lung cancers are typically found.
The service is currently delivered by a team of three chest physicians at the University Hospital of North Tees – respiratory consultants Dr Vandana Jeebun, Dr Julia Dunleavy and Dr Victor Chew – as well as Mr Ben Waterhouse, a thoracic surgeon based at The James Cook University Hospital.
Dr Jeebun said: “This is a game-changer for patients not just in Teesside, but across the North East and North Yorkshire.
“Early diagnosis is critical to improving survival rates in lung cancer. The Ion system is supporting us in doing this. It’s allowing us to diagnose earlier and more accurately, reducing the need for invasive procedures and also speeding up access to life-saving treatment.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Northern Cancer Alliance for their funding. And to North Tees for making this vision a reality.”
Improving patient pathways
The procedure sees the bronchoscope inserted through a patient’s mouth while under general anaesthetic. Once inserted, the Ion system uses real-time imaging and GPS-like navigation to guide clinicians to suspicious nodules quickly and precisely.
Dr Chew explains: “We recently had a case of a patient with a growing hamartoma – a benign lung lesion. They had been under observation for 18 months due to slight growth.
“Under the conventional pathway, this patient would have required a surgical biopsy – an invasive procedure with associated risks. With Ion, we were able to perform a minimally invasive biopsy, confirm the lesion’s benign nature and spare the patient from unnecessary surgery.
“It means our thoracic surgeons can focus their expertise on life-saving cancer operations, improving efficiency across the entire lung cancer pathway.”
A regional asset
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, and the leading cause of cancer death. In the North East and North Yorkshire, rates are among the highest nationally.
The new equipment has expanded the hospital’s previous navigational bronchoscopy service and also relieved pressure on CT-guided biopsy services. This means the respiratory team can take on higher numbers of patients. The technology aligns with NHS England’s 10 year health plan, improving early diagnosis and reducing health inequalities.
Dr Jeebun continues: “The robotic-assisted bronchoscope doesn’t just benefit North Tees – it’s a regional asset. We’re already seeing referrals from neighbouring trusts, especially in the context of expanding lung screening programmes. We are proud to be leading the way in robotic respiratory diagnostics for the wider community.
“The success of this pilot programme stands as a powerful testament to the strength of collaborative working across multiple disciplines. From physicians and surgeons to the anaesthetics team, endoscopy, theatre staff, biomedical scientists and also radiographers, this initiative has brought together a diverse group of professionals, each playing a vital role in delivering a seamless, patient-centred diagnostic service.
“Their shared commitment to innovation and excellence has been instrumental in making the Ion system a reality for patients across the region.”