At FirstHealth and Pinehurst Medical Clinic, lung cancer care is entering a new era—one marked by breakthrough technology, multidisciplinary collaboration and a steadfast commitment to early diagnosis.
A Smarter Way to Biopsy
Interventional pulmonologists are harnessing advanced technology to improve lung cancer detection and diagnosis. Among the most exciting tools is Van Gogh, a real-time cellular imaging platform that allows physicians to see suspicious tissue at the cellular level during bronchoscopy, improving confidence in biopsy targeting and often providing immediate results– something few programs can offer.
This cutting-edge technology is used in conjunction with FirstHealth’s exceptional pathology team, including expert cytotechnologists and pathologists who review every case in real time.
“This technology allows us to see how cells are behaving in real time—while the patient is still in the procedure room,” said Bradley Icard, D.O., interventional pulmonologist. “It helps us tell the difference between malignant cells and benign findings like inflammation, right then and there. That means faster answers, better biopsies and smarter care.”
This is just one of the many ways the team is elevating lung cancer detection through technology and research. In fact, FirstHealth is among just four sites nationwide participating in a novel clinical trial injecting nanoparticles into tumors to see how they respond with traditional therapies. Moore Regional was the first in the country to enroll a patient, underscoring the team’s leadership in advancing lung care.
Coordinated Care in the FirstHealth Chest Center
The Chest Center of the Carolinas, located in the FirstHealth Cancer Center, brings together the expertise of multiple specialties in the treatment of diseases of the chest, particularly lung cancer. There, cases are reviewed by a multidisciplinary team that includes pulmonology, thoracic surgery, oncology, pathology and radiology.
This team-based approach ensures that each patient receives a personalized plan informed by multiple specialties working together. At the helm of this collaborative program are Director Michael Pritchett, D.O., MPH, interventional pulmonologist, and Surgical Director Cliff Kitchens, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon.
“Every case gets the full attention of our chest team,” said Kitchens. “We bring all specialties to the table to chart the best possible course for care.” An internationally recognized leader in interventional pulmonology, Pritchett has been instrumental in shaping the program over many years and has helped position FirstHealth as a destination for innovative lung care—leading clinical trials-including the recent nanoparticle injection trial, adopting next-generation technology and expanding minimally invasive treatment options for patients in the Sandhills and beyond.
“We are proud to lead the way in delivering advanced care and hope to those who need it most,” said Pritchett. “That’s the kind of care everyone deserves, and we’re proud to be at the forefront.”
The FirstHealth Lung Bus: Saving Lives One Mile at a Time
.jpg)
For patients who face barriers to transportation or live in rural areas, FirstHealth is meeting them where they are—literally. The Lung Bus, a mobile imaging unit equipped with a 40-slice low-dose CT scanner, travels throughout the region to bring lifesaving lung cancer screenings into communities.
Made possible by the generous support of the Foundation of FirstHealth, the Lung Bus has already screened hundreds of patients, with multiple lung nodules detected early thanks to this effort.
“It only takes 320 lung cancer screenings to save a life, compared to nearly 1,800 colonoscopies or 900 mammograms,” Icard explained. “These screenings are critical—and we’re making them accessible.”
A Mission Fueled by Personal Loss For Icard, the work is deeply personal. He lost five close family members to lung cancer, including his father-in-law, Rudy, who was diagnosed at stage 4 and died just two months into treatment. “I’ve seen the devastation lung cancer can cause when it’s found too late,” he said. “Now, we have the tools to catch it early—and the Lung Bus ensures that no one is left behind.”
Icard advocates for better access to screening as a board member of the Lung Cancer Initiative and Advocacy Chair for the Society for Advanced Bronchoscopy.
“We’re not just treating disease,” Icard said. “We’re changing the story of lung cancer—one early detection at a time.”
Lung Screening Program at a Glance
Why Screen for Lung Cancer?
- Only 320 scans needed to save one life
- 75% of lung cancers are found too late without screening
- About 90% of stage 1 cancers are completely treatable, so early screening is essential
Who Qualifies for a Lung Cancer Screening?
- Adults ages 50–80
- 20+ pack-year smoking history
- Current smokers or those who quit within the past 15 years
To learn more about lung screenings or find a Lung Bus location near you, visit www.firsthealth.org/lungbus or call (910) 715-LUNG.
