Early Detection Program Spotlight Series: Dr. Dragos Zanchi and Pulmonary & Sleep of Tampa Bay

At the intersection of lung cancer screening, early detection, and patient-centered care, you will find Dr. Dragos Zanchi, whose expertise spans across pulmonary, critical care, sleep, and nutrition medicine. Based at Pulmonary & Sleep of Tampa Bay, Dr. Zanchi has dedicated his career to holistic patient care, underscoring his philosophy that "the patient is a whole package." We're honored to spotlight Dr. Zanchi's significant contributions to the community, particularly his innovative approach to lung cancer screening and his integration of Nodify Lung® testing into his practice.

Pioneering Lung Cancer Screening
A trailblazer since 2012, Dr. Zanchi initiated lung cancer screening following the pivotal New England Journal publication. He spearheaded the initiation of lung cancer screening in his area, collaborating with a local outpatient company to offer affordable low-dose CT screenings at $99, accessible to every patient. His visionary step marked the beginning of a new era in accessible cancer screening for the Tampa community.

A Threefold Approach to Early Detection
Dr. Zanchi's philosophy extends beyond traditional screening methods. He advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes the utilization of artificial intelligence to identify incidental findings, molecular testing, and genetic analysis. This trifecta of imaging, biomarker analysis, and genetic profiling represents a monumental leap in early-stage lung cancer detection, aiming to improve survival rates dramatically.

Revolutionizing Screening Strategies with Advanced Technology
Dr. Zanchi is not just a pioneer in screening; he's also at the forefront of utilizing cutting-edge technologies. His work with robotic bronchoscopy allows for biopsy of even the smallest, most difficult to reach nodules, helping to increase the accuracy and efficacy of lung cancer diagnosis. The integration of Nodify Lung testing within this framework further enhances his ability to assess and manage patient risk effectively and efficiently, helping him identify patients with higher risk of cancer for diagnostic procedures.

Emphasizing Patient-Centric Care
At the heart of Dr. Zanchi's practice is his unwavering commitment to patient-centric care. He strives to expedite the diagnostic and treatment process, compressing what typically takes months into a matter of weeks, if not days. This approach not only alleviates patient anxiety but also significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Collaboration Across Specialties, Collaboration with Patients
Dr. Zanchi believes in the power of multidisciplinary collaboration. Working closely with specialists in radiology, pathology, oncology, and thoracic surgery, he ensures that each patient receives a tailored treatment plan. This collaborative spirit is integral to improving patient outcomes and experience.

Dr. Zanchi is a strong advocate for patient education. He believes that empowering patients with knowledge about their condition is as crucial as the treatment itself. By educating patients, he enables them to take an active role in their health management.

The Future of Lung Cancer Treatment
Looking ahead, Dr. Zanchi is optimistic about the advancements in lung cancer treatment. He envisions a future where molecular and genetic testing play a central role in early diagnosis, allowing for more targeted and effective treatments.

“My biggest professional reward is when I receive a smile from a patient. After [I’ve just broken] the news that they have cancer, but we're going to take care of them, and I line up the way and the diagnosis and the treatment and instead of crying and pulling out their hair, you know what? They give me a smile. And there is hope. There is,” says Dr. Zanchi thoughtfully. “Cancer's not a death sentence anymore. It's a chronic disease that we're going to treat as we treat hypertension or diabetes, like a chronic disease, and again, a smile from this type of patient is the biggest reward for me as a physician. That's it.”

Dr. Zanchi's contributions to lung cancer screening and treatment are remarkable. His commitment to early detection, advanced technology, and personalized care, resonates deeply with our mission at Biodesix. We celebrate Dr. Z and the entire team at Pulmonary & Sleep of Tampa Bay for their achievements and continue our shared quest for actionable early detection and better outcomes for the patients.