Kolkata , 16th December 2025 : CK Birla Hospitals – CMRI Kolkata has announced the launch of Eastern India’s first Comprehensive Lung Nodule Evaluation and Advanced Management Clinic, a pioneering initiative designed to transform the way lung nodules are detected, diagnosed, and treated. With lung cancer rising sharply in Eastern India—often first appearing as small, incidental lung nodules—this clinic brings together advanced technology, structured clinical pathways, and a multidisciplinary team to offer faster, more accurate decision-making for patients.
Kolkata continues to witness one of the highest lung cancer burdens in the country, driven by high smoking prevalence, pollution exposure, and post-infection lung abnormalities. Many lung nodules are benign, while others are early cancers needing timely intervention. The challenge lies in distinguishing between them quickly and accurately. Recognising this need, CMRI has developed a dedicated one-stop clinic with integrated diagnostics, navigation bronchoscopy, AI-assisted radiology, and next-generation cryo-technologies to streamline evaluation and improve outcomes.
At the heart of the clinic is AI-assisted nodule risk detection, which helps identify suspicious nodules early and track subtle changes over time. This is supported by precision navigation systems—often referred to as “GPS for the lungs”—which create a 3D map of the airways to guide pulmonologists directly to deep-seated or peripheral nodules that are difficult to access through conventional bronchoscopy.
CMRI has also integrated real-time confirmation tools, including Radial EBUS (a miniature ultrasound probe) and Cone Beam CT (CBCT), which provide intra-procedural cross-sectional imaging to verify accurate targeting before tissue sampling. This greatly enhances diagnostic success rates, especially for small or hard-to-reach nodules.
One of the clinic’s major advancements is the use of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy, a minimally invasive technique that uses controlled freezing to obtain larger and better-quality tissue samples compared to traditional needle biopsies. This increases diagnostic yield and reduces the need for surgical biopsies.The clinic follows a structured, multidisciplinary workflow that combines AI reports, pulmonology evaluation, radiology expertise, interventional bronchoscopy, on-site pathology (ROSE), and tumour board review. Importantly, most patients undergo navigation, confirmation, cryobiopsy, and staging in a single appointment, eliminating weeks of waiting and anxiety.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr.Shyam Krishnan, Interventional Pulmonologist – CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI Kolkata, said, “As incidental and screening-detected lung nodules rise, patients need rapid, reliable evaluation supported by accurate technology. Our clinic brings AI-assisted interpretation, high-precision navigational bronchoscopy, and cryo-techniques under one unified workflow. This reduces unnecessary surgeries, speeds diagnosis, and ensures that early cancers are caught when they are most curable.”
Emphasising the multidisciplinary integration, Dr. Raja Dhar, Director & HOD, Department of Pulmonology, CK Birla Hospitals,CMRI Kolkata, added, “This is a game-changer for lung cancer care in India. We can perform navigation, CBCT confirmation, cryobiopsy and EBUS staging in one coordinated procedure, saving the patient weeks of uncertainty. The ability to combine diagnosis and staging in one session not only improves outcomes but reduces complications and speeds up the treatment. It places CMRI among the most advanced lung care centres globally.”
The initiative has garnered international attention. Dr. Atul Mehta, a world-renowned Interventional Pulmonologist present for the inauguration, stated, “The work being done at this Comprehensive Lung Nodule Clinic is truly exceptional. It is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities and is, without a doubt, on par with global centers of excellence.”
Highlighting CMRI’s commitment to healthcare innovation, Mr. Sombrata Roy, Unit Head — CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI Kolkata, added, “At CMRI, our vision is simple: bring global-standard technology to every patient who walks through our doors. The launch of Eastern India’s first Comprehensive Lung Nodule Clinic reflects that commitment. By combining artificial intelligence, advanced navigation, and cryobiopsy — all within a single coordinated system — we are redefining what early lung cancer detection and treatment can look like . This clinic represents our belief that innovation must serve patients, accelerate diagnosis, and ultimately save lives.”
The Comprehensive Lung Nodule Clinic, situated within CMRI’s pulmonology division, offers AI-based radiology, navigational bronchoscopy, radial EBUS, CBCT-supported interventions, cryobiopsy and coordinated follow-up. It is positioned to become a referral hub for pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists across Eastern India.
About CMRI
CK Birla Hospital, CMRI stands as a distinguished NABH accredited multi-specialty hospital established in 1969 in Kolkata. With 440 beds, CMRI is committed to delivering top-notch medical care to all segments of society. CMRI ensures cutting-edge care with its ICUs, all supported by an experienced team of super-specialists. CMRI is the first hospital to introduce Robotic Joint replacement in the city. The hospital also runs a state-of-the-art Respiratory Intensive Care Unit which is as per international standards. It also runs transplant programs for both the adult and paediatric population. CMRI is the only hospital in eastern India with a QAI accredited stroke centre. CMRI is accredited by the National Development Board, Government of India, for DNB courses. The institute also houses a nurses’ training school recognized by the West Bengal Nursing Council
About the CKA Birla Group
The CKA Birla Group, is an Indian multinational conglomerate with a multibillion dollar revenue. With over 35,000 employees, the group operates more than 50 manufacturing facilities across India and the world, with a presence in diverse sectors including technology, automotive, home and building and healthcare.
The CKA Birla Group continuously adapts to stay ahead in a changing world. By harnessing technology and investing in people and digital transformation, the Group consistently remains agile and delivers profitable growth. Viewing value creation through a global lens, our companies operate without borders.
The CKA Birla Group companies include Birlasoft, GMMCO, National Engineering Industries (manufacturer of NBC Bearings), BirlaNu (formerly HIL), Orient Electric, CK Birla Healthcare (CK Birla Hospitals and Birla Fertility & IVF), Orient Paper, AVTEC and Neosym
Our companies share a common purpose of serving customers, partners and communities to create long term value through trust based relationships.
Our commitment to our community
The CKA Birla Group is also known for its deep-rooted commitment to community with institutions like BIT Mesra, Modern High Schools, BM Birla Science Centre, and The CMRI Trust Hospitals, serving millions and nurturing generations of talent.
