Lung cancer: A new method of delivering radiation therapy to lung cancer patients which minimises damage to nearby tissue is being pioneered at Dublin's St Luke's Hospital.
The technique involves getting patients to hold their breath for a short period while the treatment is being administered.
Prof John Armstrong, a consultant radiation oncologist at the hospital, is spearheading research on the new technique.
"Not every patient is suitable for this type of therapy as they must be able to hold their breath for 10-20 seconds while the treatment dose is being given. However, many patients find this manageable," he said.
One of the main challenges in using radiotherapy to treat lung cancer is the fact that a patient's lungs continue to move about within the rib cage for as long as the patient is breathing. This means that any cancer located in the lungs is moving with every breath, making for a "moving target".
With the new technique called Active Breathing Control, a dose of radiation is timed to a specific breath-hold, where the lungs are essentially not moving for 10-20 seconds. This allows for precise doses of radiation to be given to treat lung cancer while minimising the risk to nearby healthy tissue. The entire process is monitored on computer.
Some 19 patients at St Luke's have already participated in a study during which the technique was tested. The information gained included identifying the suitability of particular patients, the duration of comfortable breath-holds for patients and other details relating to the suitability of using the technique with particular radiotherapy treatment machines.
This will enable the researchers at St Luke's to design specific treatment protocols for the use of the technique that are clinically relevant to patients.
Every year, there are about 1,576 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed in the Republic of Ireland, and approximately 1,499 deaths from lung cancer.
The Irish Cancer Society, through its research division, funded the new Action Breathing Control device worth over €100,000.
Details of the new research were presented at a meeting of lung cancer experts in Dublin at the weekend.
• Anyone concerned about their risk of lung cancer can contact the Irish Cancer Society National Cancer Helpline on 1800 200 700.