Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in Canada. A challenge in treating lung cancer is to destroy cancer while being expected to preserve the function of the remaining lung tissue as much as possible. Microwave ablation shows the potential to meet this expectation. Currently, microwave ablation is operated using a long needle that gets to the tumour site from the skin through a hole, which could have serious complications.

In his project titled A Non-Invasive Methodology for Removal of Lung Cancer Tumors principle investigator Dr. Wen Jun (Chris) Zhang from the University of Saskatchewan aims to develop a tool that can deliver the microwave ablation needle to the lung cancer through the airway of the patient body, which will not cause any lung damage. Saskatchewan has been an early adopter of ablation techniques, including microwave ablation, as alternatives to surgery since the 1980s. This project will therefore will certainly benefit patients in Saskatchewan, Canada, and the world.