In Forth Valley, a new tool is drastically improving the speed of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The introduction of Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE) is helping specialists determine the best treatment plans for patients faster than ever before. This innovation is the result of a collaboration between local respiratory and pathology teams, ensuring quicker diagnoses and more efficient treatment decisions.
ROSE enables doctors to assess tissue samples in real time during the Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) procedure, a minimally invasive method used to sample lymph nodes or masses in the lungs. This rapid review ensures that the samples meet the quality standards necessary for accurate diagnosis and further genetic testing. As a result, patients are receiving faster lab results, leading to quicker treatment plans and reduced waiting times.
The team behind this advancement includes Drs. Jonathan Gareze, Laura Maclean, and Amanda Forbes from NHS Forth Valley, along with biomedical science staff Dawn Sutherland and Claire Mullen, who trained at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London. They worked closely with respiratory consultants Drs. Ronan Breen, Euan Cameron, Alison MacKenzie, and Claribel Simmons, who perform the EBUS procedures. Their collective efforts have made the new process a success.
Between January and August 2025, 98 patients underwent the ROSE technique alongside their EBUS. During this time, the team saw a remarkable improvement in service quality, with the repeat procedure rate dropping from 14% to just 4%. Furthermore, the time it takes to receive test results was reduced to 48 hours, allowing for faster discussion of treatment options. This means patients are getting the best care as soon as possible, which is vital for improving outcomes in lung cancer cases.
As the team looks to expand the service, plans are in place to train more laboratory staff and secure funding for ongoing improvements. The feedback from patients and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, and the team is hopeful that ROSE will become a permanent feature of the lung cancer diagnostic process at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.
ROSE is a technique that enhances the diagnostic process by allowing for immediate review of samples taken during the bronchoscopy procedure. This not only reduces the need for repeat procedures but also ensures that the right tests are done immediately, leading to faster treatment decisions. This advancement in lung cancer care could significantly reduce waiting times for patients and improve outcomes by enabling quicker intervention.
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