Thoracic surgeons play a vital role in the fight against lung cancer, which remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. To improve patient outcomes and support program growth, surgeons must think about expanding the flow of surgical candidates through early detection initiatives.

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Unfortunately, referrals from PCPs, routine screenings, and marketing efforts will not suffice in filling the thoracic surgery funnel. Instead, leading organizations have invested in AI-driven Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) and Incidental Pulmonary Nodule (IPN) programs to create the volume needed to sustain – and grow – their practices.

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Well-Run Lung Cancer Screening Programs Can Be an Effective Tool

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LCS programs are common and known for finding over half of lung cancer cases at an early stage, when the disease is most treatable. However, the success of these programs hinges on patient adherence to screening guidelines and effective follow-up. With only ~5% of eligible patients being screened regularly for lung cancer, many would agree that cancer patients are slipping through the cracks.

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By leveraging integrated LCS technology, health systems can better manage patients longitudinally, automate follow-up, and reduce the manual workload for care teams. As leaders in the industry know, it is not about the first visit, it is about the one after that and the one after that. Therefore, by having technology manage patient reminders and communications, you can boost the chances of catching cancer as soon as it is present, and ensure patients are directed to the right care (including surgery) at the right time.

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The Power of Incidental Pulmonary Nodule Programs

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While LCS programs typically focus on high-risk patients, IPN programs cast a wider net, identifying abnormalities found incidentally during imaging for unrelated conditions. Research shows that lung abnormalities are nine times more likely to be found incidentally than through structured screening programs. This makes IPN programs a critical complement to LCS, significantly increasing the volume of patients identified at the top of the surgical funnel. When managed effectively, these programs allow for the early identification of nodules that may progress into cancer, providing another crucial opportunity for intervention and curability.

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When LCS and IPN programs are combined and run effectively, they create a robust pipeline of patients eligible for advanced diagnostic and surgical interventions. For example, one regional medical center partnered with Eon to optimize their LCS and IPN programs. Over four years, they achieved a 14x increase in LCS volumes and identified 2,566 new IPN patients - all while diagnosing 69% of lung cancers in Stage I or II. These efforts led to a 193% increase in robotic bronchoscopy volumes and a 33% boost in surgical volumes.

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A Holistic Approach to Lung Cancer Care

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By leveraging intelligent technology to identify early-stage nodules, create custom care plans, and track patient adherence over time, health systems can maximize their ability to treat lung cancer patients from start to finish.

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And with a more robust pipeline of lung nodule patients identified early, surgery teams can focus on cases with the highest chance of success, helping profitably save lives. Investing in comprehensive, funnel-filling programs is not just a strategy for program growth – it’s a commitment to delivering exceptional patient care.

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To learn more about how Eon can support you with early cancer detection, reach out today.

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