With a multidisciplinary approach, the specialists of the Ruber International Hospital continue to lead the way in oncological treatmentss that improve the survival and quality of life of cancer patients.
In the specific case of lung cancer –the fourth most common type of cancer in the entire population, according to data from the Spanish Association Against Cancer–, Hospital Ruber Internacional offers its patients safer and less invasive treatment innovations, such as the Uniportal VATs surgical technique and Uniportal RATs, TTFields, the stereotactic body radiotherapy system with CyberKnife robotic system (SBRT) and other important innovations in radiation oncology.
The technique of minimally invasive robotic surgery uniportal VATs and uniportal RATs – the most advanced and least invasive at the moment – allow interventions at the Ruber International Hospital that were previously unthinkable to address complex lung tumors through a single incision, significantly reducing pain and recovery time. patient. The robotic technology that uses this technique provides unmatched precision thanks to 3D vision and its specific instruments.
The creator of this surgical technique and its introducer in the Madrid center is Dr. Diego González Rivas. In his words, “unlike the conventional robotic technique, which requires 4 or 5 incisions, with the uniportal robotic technique we perform a single 3 or 4 centimeter incision. This translates into less pain for the patient, better recovery and a lower rate of complications.”
Dr. Régulo Ávila, head of the Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery Unit at Hospital Ruber Internacional, assures that it is an honor to have Dr. González Rivas on his team, with whom he works hand in hand in the operating room. “We have already had some very complex cases that in any other center they would have made large incisions to operate on them, and here with the uniportal technique we have been able to operate on them in a very safe and efficient way, with extraordinary results, especially from the point of view of the patient’s recovery, which After two or three days he is home,” details Dr. Ávila.
Another pioneering technique against lung cancer is called TTFields. (Tumor Treating Fields). This novel treatment consists of “administering electrical currents that interfere with the basic survival mechanisms of tumor cells,” explains Dr. Antonio Calles, specialist in Medical Oncology at the Thoracic/Lung Tumors Unit of the Ruber International Hospital.
To the patient with lung cancer Adhesive electrodes are placed on the rib cage that generate an electric field. These fields act directly on tumor cells, slowing their division and growth. The electrodes are connected to a current generator that the patient must carry in a backpack or shoulder bag for at least 18 hours a day.
It is usually well tolerated and has few side effects. To start treatmentAs explained by Dr. Mª Ángeles Vaz, specialist in Medical Oncology at the Sarcomas and Soft Tissue Tumors Unit of the Ruber International Hospital, an assessment by the doctor responsible for the oncological treatment is necessary and, if it is considered that the patient is may benefit, the device is prescribed.
TTFields have demonstrated effectiveness in non-small cell lung cancer – the most common in Western countries – as well as in mesothelioma.
On the other hand, Radiation Oncology is one of the specialties that has benefited the most from important technological advancesand also in this field the Madrid hospital is at the cutting edge, with increasingly satisfactory applications in lung tumors, as well as in other types of cancer.
A good example of this is that Ruber Internacional was the first center in Spain to incorporate the CyberKnife systemthe newest technology in robotic radiosurgery.
CyberKnife is a high-precision robotic system that minimizes damage to healthy tissuesRuber International Hospital
The CyberKnife consists of a robotic arm capable of follow tumor movement during irradiationallowing stereotaxic body radiotherapy (SBRT), a high-precision irradiation technique, which allows the administration of very high doses of radiation, never achieved in conventional radiotherapy, with minimal doses in the surrounding healthy tissues, in a few sessions or even in one single session. And all this, without the need for invasive immobilization systems or hospitalization.
Thus, this technology allows tumors to be irradiated in mobile areas, such as the lung, with submillimeter precision and with high doses in just a few sessions. “The treatment is faster and more comfortable, with sessions that now last less than 30 minuteswhich is especially beneficial for patients with pain or breathing difficulties,” explains Dr. Aurora Rodríguez, head of the Radiation Oncology Service at Hospital Ruber Internacional.
These treatments They are supported by advanced imaging techniques such as PET-CT, 4D CT and MRI, which allow the irradiation volume to be defined more precisely.
“In this way, it is not only possible to successfully treat certain lesions in areas such as the lung, but also others such as the brain, spine, lymph nodes, liver, pancreas, prostate or soft tissues,” he points out. Dr. Amalia Sotoca, radiation oncologist, specialist in lung cancer, breast cancer and head and neck tumors, specialized in radiosurgery with the Robotized Cyberknife system.
Thus, the Ruber International Hospital makes available a wide range of effective treatments adapted to the type and stage of cancer, with cutting-edge technology, innovative techniques and a multidisciplinary and highly specialized medical team.
**Given the less invasive nature of Uniportal VATs and RATs, what specific types of lung cancer patients would be ideal candidates for this surgical approach, and are there any patient populations for whom it might not be suitable?**
## World Today News Interview: Cutting Edge Cancer Treatments atHospital Ruber Internacional
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News, where we delve into the latest advancements transforming healthcare. Today, we’re joined by two esteemed specialists from Hospital Ruber Internacional to discuss their innovative approach to lung cancer treatment.
**Guests:**
* **Dr. Diego González Rivas:** Creator of the Uniportal VATs and RATs surgical technique and pioneer in minimally invasive robotic surgery.
* **Dr. Aurora Rodríguez:** Head of the Radiation Oncology Service and expert in Cyberknife radiosurgery.
**Section 1: Minimally Invasive Surgery: Revolutionizing Lung Cancer Treatment**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. González Rivas, your Uniportal VATs and RATs technique has been lauded as a breakthrough in lung cancer surgery. Could you elaborate on how this single-incision approach benefits patients, specifically addressing the advantages over traditional methods?
* **Dr. González Rivas:**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Ávila, you’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of this technique. Can you share some examples of how Uniportal surgery has enabled you to tackle complex lung tumors that might have been deemed inoperable in the past?
* **Dr. Ávila:**
**Section 2: Tuning into the Electrical Battlefield: TTFields Therapy**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Calles, TTFields is a novel approach to cancer treatment that utilizes electrical currents to disrupt tumor growth. How does this technology work, and what makes it particularly promising for lung cancer patients?
* **Dr. Calles:**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Mª Ángeles Vaz, can you shed light on the patient experience with TTFields? What kind of side effects can patients expect, and what role do they play in the decision-making process for choosing this treatment option?
* **Dr. Mª Ángeles Vaz:**
**Section 3: Cyberknife Precision: Targeting Tumors with Robotic Accuracy**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Rodríguez, the CyberKnife system has been hailed as a game-changer in radiation oncology. What makes it so unique, especially for treating lung tumors, and how does it compare to conventional radiotherapy?
* **Dr. Rodríguez:**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Sotoca, you specialize in Cyberknife treatments for various cancers. Beyond its precision, what are the tangible benefits of such targeted therapy for patients, particularly in terms of treatment duration and side effects?
* **Dr. Sotoca:**
**Concluding Remarks:**
* **Interviewer:** Hospital Ruber Internacional is clearly at the forefront of oncological care. What message would you like to leave our viewers about the future of lung cancer treatment, and the ongoing commitment of your team to provide the best possible outcomes for patients?
* **Both Doctors:**
