In what marks a significant step forward for lung cancer diagnosis in India, doctors in Noida have successfully performed North India’s first Cone Beam CT (CBCT)-guided cryobiopsy of the lung. 

The advanced procedure helped detect lung cancer in a 70-year-old patient whose condition had gone undiagnosed despite multiple rounds of testing at various hospitals.

The patient, a long-time smoker, arrived with severe breathlessness and rapid weight loss. Earlier investigations at other facilities pointed only to infection or nonspecific findings, leaving doctors without clear answers. A PET-CT scan conducted at Fortis Hospital, Noida, however, revealed a suspicious lesion in the lung — but performing a standard biopsy posed a high risk of lung puncture and an inadequate sample.

“This case was full of challenges,” recalled Dr. Rahul Sharma, Additional Director of Pulmonology at Fortis Noida.

 “The earlier tests, including bronchoscopy and fluid analysis, didn’t yield a diagnosis. Even CT-guided biopsy wasn’t suitable because much of the lung mass had turned necrotic. We needed a precise, minimally invasive way to reach the viable tissue.”

That’s when the team opted for the CBCT-guided cryo-lung biopsy — a cutting-edge procedure that combines real-time 3D imaging, scope navigation, and augmented fluoroscopy. Using this advanced method, the team was able to safely target the live portion of the lung and retrieve intact tissue samples, avoiding areas of dead tissue.

The results confirmed Non-Small Cell Carcinoma, a type of lung cancer. Additional lymph node sampling showed early signs of spread, allowing doctors to immediately begin the right treatment plan without unnecessary delays or surgery.

Reflecting on the success, Dr. Sharma said, “This technique truly bridges technology and clinical skill. It gave us a clear diagnosis in a situation where traditional methods had failed, allowing us to start treatment on time.”

Mr. Mohit Singh, Zonal Director at Fortis Noida, said the achievement reinforces the hospital’s commitment to advancing medical innovation. “Our focus is always on combining technology with patient-centered care. The successful use of CBCT-guided cryo-lung biopsy shows how precision medicine can transform patient outcomes,” he said.

The CBCT-guided cryobiopsy is available at only a few specialized centers worldwide.

Its successful use in Noida marks a major advancement in lung cancer diagnostics, opening the door for faster, safer, and more accurate detection of complex lung diseases in India.