The first curative lung cancer surgeries connected to the Lung Health Check pilot programme have taken place in recent months.
The Lung Health Check is a pioneering initiative led by the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre and funded by the Irish Cancer Society, that was launched last year.
This clinical trial, in collaboration with specific GP practices in North Dublin and the North East region, invited individuals at a high risk of developing lung cancer to attend community-based mobile scanning units for lung health checks.
Currently, 6 in every 10 lung cancer diagnoses are detected at late stage, when it is harder to treat.
One of those patients who underwent curative lung cancer surgery via the Lung Health Check pilot is Paul Guinee, 63, from Sutton, Dublin, who was invited to take part in the pilot earlier this year.
Paul (pictured above), who recently retired, said he had “no issues” and “didn’t think there was anything wrong” before receiving an unexpected call inviting him for a CT scan.
Paul said: “I had assumed it was because of my history of smoking, so I thought it was probably a good idea to attend.”
Paul visited the Lung Health Check mobile unit in Dublin, where he underwent a CT scan. After further review, he was called to Beaumont Hospital for assessment. A subsequent PET-CT scan confirmed an area of concern. He was subsequently diagnosed with Stage 1 lung cancer.
Paul was told he would need surgery, and he went on to have a robotic operation on the 20th of October, following a pre-assessment on the 17th of October.
“It was a lengthy surgery — around seven hours — and very professional,” said Paul.
“They were very happy with it. It hadn’t spread anywhere else. They got it at a stage where they could do something about it.”
Paul, who required no further treatment, said the process from first scan to surgery was “extremely positive” and praised the organisation of the pathway.
Paul said: “I couldn’t believe how efficient it was, and how enthusiastic they all seemed to be. From the very beginning until the very end, I couldn’t believe how quick they were. It sounds like they saved me a lot of trouble a year down the road — something I may not have recovered from.
“I was out and about walking two weeks after the operation and the lung is improving. I was told that after four to six weeks, the lung should be back to pre-operation stages.
Clinical significance: cancers detected earlier, in people with no symptoms
Thoracic surgeon at St James’s Hospital, Mr Gary Fitzmaurice, who operated on several of the patients identified through the Lung Health Check pilot, said the programme is already demonstrating its value by identifying cancers before symptoms appear, allowing patients to access curative treatment.
He explained that the major impact of the pilot is that cancers which would normally be detected at a late stage are instead found at a much earlier point.
Mr Gary Fitzmaurice said: “We’re identifying people who have very early lung cancer who have absolutely no symptoms and without a CT scan would not have been detected.
“That gives them the big advantage of having all the potential options for curative intent treatment and the best chance of long-term cure.”
He said patients detected through the pilot are benefiting from minimally invasive approaches: “It’s much more likely they’ll be able to have a keyhole or minimally invasive operation, with reduced risks and complications, a short hospital stay, and faster recovery. It turns out to be a bump in the road, rather than a completely life-changing event.”
Mr Fitzmaurice said that, to date, based on figures still being collated, up to five such surgeries have taken place, with several more patients currently in the system.
He noted that, so far, those who have been diagnosed are predominantly men and women in their early 60s, who had no symptoms and no reason to undergo imaging outside of the pilot.
Professor Daniel Ryan, Respiratory Consultant at the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre and Clinical Lead of the Lung Health Check Pilot, said: “Lung cancer kills more Irish people every year than any other cancer, mainly because it is diagnosed late when it is difficult to treat. This pilot programme is saving lives by detecting cancer early.
“Leading a mobile lung health check in the community is a major step forward for lung cancer care in Ireland, and we are proud to have initiated this work in Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre.
“This pilot is breaking down barriers that have long stood in the way of early detection of lung cancer, bringing together partners across the healthcare system.
“The support from the Irish Cancer Society, and our collaboration with Centric Health GP practices, Alliance Medical Diagnostic Imaging, and the GAA clubs in the region, is ultimately saving lives.”
Amy Nolan, Director of Clinical Affairs at the Irish Cancer Society said: “This pilot programme is part of the largest single investment in lung cancer in Ireland’s history and is only possible thanks to the incredible generosity of the Irish public through their support of days like Daffodil Day.
“We hope that in time it will lead to a free national lung check programme for all Irish people at high risk of getting lung cancer. We are also delighted this partnership is integrating Irish Cancer Society services within the care pathways in Beaumont Hospital, making it easier for patients to access our free advice, counselling, peer support, hospital transport, and other services, and providing a model for other hospitals to follow.”