News

Thanks to a generous donation of over $27,000 from The Commercial Club Albury, Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) is now using cryoprobe technology in its Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) procedures, a significant step forward for lung cancer care in our region.

Lung cancer remains one of the most serious health challenges for residents of the Border. It accounts for around 9% of all cancers and contributes to approximately 17% of cancer-related deaths locally. With more than 235 EBUS procedures performed at AWH each year, the service is a vital part of cancer diagnostics for our community. 

EBUS is a minimally invasive technique where a thin scope with an ultrasound probe is guided into the lungs to examine tissue and lymph nodes, helping to diagnose and stage lung cancer. 

With the addition of cryoprobe technology, AWH clinicians can now gather larger, higher-quality tissue samples during those procedures. This leads to better biopsies, more accurate diagnoses, earlier detection, and more personalised care for people affected by lung cancer locally.

“This is about giving patients answers sooner, with fewer risks,” said Dr James Roberston, Respiratory Physician at AWH. “The cryoprobe lets us reach lymph nodes and lung tissue that were previously difficult to sample, and it preserves tissue in a way that makes advanced diagnostic and genomic testing possible. That’s critical for guiding the best treatment and care.”

Earlier this year, AWH received next-generation ultrasound and bronchoscopy equipment, funded through the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund and an anonymous donor. This investment has enabled clinicians to access more precise imaging during EBUS procedures, supporting earlier cancer detection and more targeted treatment.

The addition of the cryoprobe builds on that progress, complementing the imaging improvements with the ability to collect larger, higher-quality samples. Together, these technologies significantly expand AWH’s diagnostic capability and strengthen cancer services for the Border region.

Why cryoprobes matter

Traditional biopsy tools have limitations, especially for hard-to-reach lymph nodes or obtaining sufficient tissue for genomic testing. The cryoprobe overcomes many of these barriers by using intense cold to freeze and extract tissue samples, allowing for larger and better-preserved samples. It’s especially effective for accessing deep or hard-to-reach lymph nodes, reducing the need for surgical biopsies. This reduces the need for surgical biopsies, improves cancer staging accuracy, and minimises risk for patients.

By adding cryoprobe capability to its diagnostic toolkit, AWH can deliver faster and more precise results, reduce the need for invasive surgical biopsies, and decrease risks associated with more extensive procedures. This shortens the time patients wait for a diagnosis and ensures they receive more tailored treatment sooner, while improving the overall patient experience.

“We are incredibly grateful to The Commercial Club Albury for their generous support,” said Bill Appleby, Chief Executive Officer of Albury Wodonga Health. “This donation has enabled us to bring world-class cryoprobe technology to our region, significantly expanding our diagnostic capability. It means faster, more accurate diagnoses, improved safety and comfort for patients, and ultimately better cancer care outcomes for our community, closer to home.”

Jeff Duck, CEO of The Commercial Club Albury, added, “Supporting Albury Wodonga Health in bringing new technologies like the cryoprobe to our community is something we are very proud of. We know this equipment will have a direct impact on local patients and families, and it’s rewarding to know our contribution is helping to save lives.”