Ayala-led Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH) has announced a strategic partnership with global biopharmaceutical leader AstraZeneca to establish the Lung Center of Excellence and a dedicated Lung Nodule Clinic at its flagship facility in Arca South, Taguig.
The collaboration aims to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care across the lung cancer continuum—from early detection and accurate diagnosis to advanced treatment and long-term survivorship.
“The vision of the Lung Center of Excellence is to become the leading institution for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of thoracic malignancies in the Philippines, with the goal of expanding our reach across Asia in the coming years,” said Dr. Gerardo Cornelio, head of the Lung Center of Excellence at HCCH.
The facility offers specialized services for both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC)—the two most common forms of the disease. Leveraging advanced diagnostic technologies and AI-driven imaging, the center is equipped to detect lung cancer at its earliest stages.
Through its partnership with AstraZeneca and Qure.ai, the center uses artificial intelligence-enhanced chest X-rays and low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans for early screening. For diagnostic accuracy, patients have access to tools such as bronchoscopy and various forms of biopsy procedures.
Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapies, and immunotherapy—tailored to each patient’s unique condition.
“Lung cancer is often detected at a late stage, contributing to high mortality rates. However, early screening significantly improves treatment outcomes. Advances in therapy are also making a positive impact on survival,” Dr. Cornelio added.
The newly launched Lung Nodule Clinic, headed by Dr. Michael Agustin, aims to provide efficient evaluation and management of lung nodules—small masses that appear on chest scans, some of which may indicate early-stage cancer.
