Artificial Intelligence: Timely Treatment to Curb Lung Cancer

The use of AI in health screening has the potential to save lives by detecting diseases early. The Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in the UK is conducting a trial using AI to aid in the detection of breast cancer. Kheiron Medical Technologies has also developed an AI model, Mia, to assist doctors in reviewing mammogram scans. AI is being tested at the Bacs-Kiskun County Hospital in Hungary as well. Consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Anand Sachithanandan in Malaysia believes AI can help detect lung cancer early. The Lung Cancer Network Malaysia (LCNM) initiated a free lung cancer screening program using AI-enabled chest X-rays in the Klang Valley. Dr Anand believes the AI X-ray software, qXR, can improve the accuracy and efficiency of chest radiography. Dr Anand explains that screening for lung cancer is important because early detection leads to better treatment outcomes. The gold standard for lung cancer screening is low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). LDCT scans are non-invasive, painless, and require minimal radiation. Dr Anand advocates for the adoption of AI in lung cancer screening to alleviate financial burdens and improve access to testing. More than 10,000 individuals participated in the LCNM screening program. Indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPN) were detected in 2.5% of cases, requiring further assessment with LDCT scans. Primary care physicians can use the AI software to generate a detailed report on chest X-ray images in just two minutes. Clinicians have responded positively to the AI X-ray software, finding it easy to use and scalable. However, convincing patients to undergo LDCT scans after the AI X-ray results can be challenging due to cost and fear. A patient navigator was introduced to help guide individuals through the process and address their concerns. Retrospective reviews are being conducted to determine the effectiveness of the screening program. The screening program faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The next stage is to demonstrate the efficacy of the program locally.

Credit: The Star : News Feed