The Trinity Health Of New England mission is to serve the community through compassionate, patient-centered care. The Thoracic Oncology team is dedicated to increasing awareness, expanding access to early detection and utilizing cutting-edge technology to treat lung cancer.
Through a collaborative approach between pulmonology, surgery, primary care and medical and radiation oncology, the program provides timely, innovative, comprehensive treatment that delivers excellent outcomes and advances innovation in thoracic oncology.
What have been the team’s significant contributions to the organization in the past year?
We launched a regional lung cancer screening program in collaboration with primary care that strives to identify lung cancer at an earlier stage when there is a greater chance for cure.
We also expanded early detection through a robust incidental nodule program, improving communication and follow-up with patients on potential lung cancers.
Our interventional pulmonologists performed more than 1,000 robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedures using the Ion endoluminal system. We were the first in Connecticut to utilize Ion, and the first to pair with 3D fluoroscopy, establishing national leadership.
Interventional Pulmonology added new treatment options with photodynamic therapy and customized 3D-printed stent technology.
What are some major challenges the team had to overcome?
Our major challenge was uniting multiple specialties into a purposeful, patient-centered program without delays in care. Through collaboration and open communication among pulmonology, oncology, surgery and radiation oncology, we overcame barriers, streamlined diagnosis-to-treatment time and ensured patients received timely, comprehensive care.
What’s the team’s next major goal?
Our goals include launching multicenter clinical trials for patients, including new bronchoscopic therapies for early-stage lung cancer; continued development of our lung screening program, focused on early detection; and expanding utilization of nurse navigators who guide patients and families through the complexities of cancer care from initial screening through survivorship.