A pioneering lung biopsy service in Greater Manchester is transforming how patients are diagnosed with lung cancer, delivering faster and more streamlined pathways through the integration of advanced imaging and procedural technology. Developed at Wythenshawe Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, the new service combines imaging, biopsy and recovery into a single, purpose-built unit, significantly improving efficiency and patient experience.
The initiative responds to rising demand for lung cancer diagnostics, with biopsy volumes increasing from fewer than 100 procedures annually in 2014 to more than 700 per year. By redesigning the entire diagnostic pathway, clinicians are now able to carry out more procedures per session and deliver results more quickly, reducing delays that can be critical in cancer care.
Advanced imaging technology enables precision targeting
At the heart of the new service is a suite of cutting-edge imaging technologies that allow clinicians to perform biopsies with greater accuracy and speed. The unit uses a high-resolution CT scanner with integrated laser guidance to precisely target lung lesions, including those that are small or difficult to access.
In addition, a mobile 2D/3D imaging system provides real-time intraoperative visualisation, enabling clinicians to confirm needle placement immediately without needing to move the patient. This combination of technologies reduces the need for repeat procedures and minimises the risk of complications, while also improving workflow efficiency. From a health technology perspective, the integration of imaging and intervention within a single environment represents a significant advancement. It enables clinicians to move seamlessly from diagnosis to tissue sampling, reducing fragmentation in the care pathway.
Streamlined patient journey and improved experience
One of the most significant benefits of the new model is its impact on the patient journey. Previously, patients often had to move between different departments for imaging, biopsy and recovery, leading to delays and increased anxiety. The new unit brings all these elements together in one location, allowing for a more coordinated and efficient experience.
Patients benefit from shorter hospital visits, fewer transfers and faster turnaround times for results. This is particularly important in lung cancer, where early diagnosis is closely linked to improved survival outcomes. National data shows that around 65% of patients diagnosed at the earliest stage survive for five years or more, compared with less than 10% at later stages. By accelerating diagnosis, the Greater Manchester model is helping to ensure that more patients can begin treatment sooner, improving both clinical outcomes and overall experience.
Part of a wider digital and AI-driven transformation
The biopsy service is part of a broader programme of innovation across Greater Manchester aimed at improving cancer detection and diagnosis through digital technology. The region has already implemented AI tools to analyse chest X-rays and prioritise high-risk cases, enabling clinicians to identify potential cancers more quickly.
In parallel, NHS England is trialling AI and robotic technologies that can guide biopsy tools to small, hard-to-reach lung nodules, potentially replacing weeks of diagnostic testing with a single targeted procedure. These developments are supported by wider digital infrastructure, including shared diagnostic platforms and real-time data systems that allow clinicians to coordinate care across multiple sites. Together, these innovations are helping to create a more integrated, data-driven diagnostic pathway, where patients can move more quickly from initial suspicion to confirmed diagnosis and treatment.
Addressing rising demand and workforce pressures
The new biopsy unit also addresses growing pressures on diagnostic services, particularly as lung cancer screening programmes expand. As more patients undergo screening, the number of detected lung nodules has increased, creating additional demand for safe and accurate biopsy procedures.
By improving throughput and efficiency, the Greater Manchester model helps to manage this demand while maintaining high standards of care. The unit is also playing a role in training the next generation of specialists, providing hands-on experience in advanced imaging and interventional techniques at a time when the NHS faces shortages in thoracic radiology expertise.
A model for future NHS diagnostic pathways
The success of the initiative is already attracting attention as a potential model for wider adoption across the NHS. Experts suggest that combining purpose-built facilities with advanced imaging technology could help standardise and improve lung cancer diagnostics nationwide. The approach aligns with the government’s National Cancer Plan, which emphasises earlier diagnosis, improved patient pathways and the use of digital tools to enhance efficiency and outcomes.
Looking ahead
As demand for cancer diagnostics continues to grow, the need for innovative, scalable solutions will become increasingly important. The Greater Manchester lung biopsy service demonstrates how technology, infrastructure and clinical redesign can come together to deliver meaningful improvements in care.
For the health technology sector, the initiative highlights the growing role of integrated systems and advanced imaging in transforming diagnostic pathways. By reducing delays, improving accuracy and enhancing patient experience, the new model represents a significant step forward in the NHS’s efforts to deliver faster, more effective cancer care. As similar approaches are explored across the country, Greater Manchester’s experience is likely to shape the future of lung cancer diagnosis, showing how digital innovation can translate into real-world clinical impact.
