Research Group Interventional Pulmonology – Interventional Lung Center (ILZ)

The Interventional Lung Center (ILZ) is dedicated to clinical and translational research in the field of interventional pulmonology, with a particular focus on early detection of lung cancer and minimally invasive therapeutic procedures. A special emphasis is placed on the use and further development of cryotechnology as well as state-of-the-art navigation systems.

Ärzteteam bei der Arbeit im Lungenzentrum

The ILZ is among the leading centers in Europe for robotically assisted bronchoscopy with integrated cone-beam CT imaging. As an international reference center (including for Intuitive and Siemens Healthineers), it plays an active role in the training and education of these technologies and regularly contributes to scientific congresses. Since the establishment of this method as a standard in lung cancer diagnostics in 2024, the ILZ has performed more than 500 robotically assisted lung biopsies.

The research group led by Dr. Carolin Steinack and PD Dr. Thomas Gaisl aims to further develop diagnostic procedures in order to enable the earliest and least invasive detection of lung cancer possible In addition to diagnostics, new therapeutic approaches in interventional pulmonology are being investigated. A special focus lies on combining technological progress with clinically relevant results that directly translate into patient care.

The research group closely collaborates with the Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, and the Institute of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, and the Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich (CCCZ), and further partners, including the University Hospital Basel and the University of Southern California

Clinically, the ILZ functions as a supraregional center for maximum care. It offers the full spectrum of interventional pulmonology procedures and is the only center in the Canton of Zurich with a consignment stock of airway stents. This specialization results in large patient cohorts that enable systematic scientific analysis.

The research group positions itself at the interface between clinical care, science, industry, and patients. Through patient advisory boards, collaborations with industry, and robust statistical analyses, research questions are addressed in a practice-oriented manner. This integrative approach ensures that research results are rapidly translated into improved patient care. Over the past years, this has led to 63% of newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancers at the ILZ being detected at stage I – a stage with favorable chances for curative treatment.

Funding

Research activities at the ILZ are only possible thanks to generous project support. We are reliant on these contributions and would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Holcim Foundation Knowledge, the Tarbaco Indigo Foundation, the Foundation for Applied Cancer Research, the Foundation for Dust Lung Research, the Intuitive Foundation, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Switzerland, and the Swiss Lung League. Their support makes a decisive contribution to advancing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in interventional pulmonology.

Ongoing Studies

If you are interested in participating in a study, we are happy to provide detailed information and further documentation without obligation. For questions or further information, please feel free to contact us at the address below. Für Fragen oder weitere Informationen können Sie sich jederzeit an die unten angegebene Kontaktadresse wenden.

Pilot study on early detection of lung cancer – volunteers wanted