AI spots lung cancer signs in 5 million people, enables early diagnosis

India Today

01-05-2025

A new technology screened chest X-rays of 5 million people across 20 countries and successfully detected early signs of lung cancer using artificial intelligence.The AI algorithm, developed through a collaboration between AstraZeneca and Indian health-tech company Qure.ai, analyed scans conducted in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America - regions where access to advanced diagnostic tools is often limited.advertisementAstraZeneca, a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in the UK, is known for developing life-saving treatments in oncology, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. It partnered with Qure.ai to deploy AI tools in resource-constrained settings, making early cancer detection more accessible.
The screening program used Qure.ai's proprietary algorithm, qXR, which analysed chest X-rays to identify abnormalities, particularly high-risk lung nodules that could indicate early-stage cancer.The AI then flagged these cases for follow-up diagnostic tests like CT scans. So far, nearly 50,000 people with suspected nodules have been referred for further testing, enabling earlier diagnosis and faster intervention."Reaching the five million scan milestone demonstrates the power of digital innovation in transforming cancer care. AI-enabled tools like qXR are proving to be a cost-effective way to screen for lung cancer where radiologists or advanced imaging facilities may not be readily available," said Ti Hwei How, Vice President of International Oncology at AstraZeneca.advertisementQure.ai CEO Prashant Warier noted that this collaboration has helped scale their AI technology in real-world clinical environments. "This milestone shows how AI can bridge the gap in healthcare access and strengthen systems through faster diagnosis," he said.Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In these regions, where screening programs are often lacking, technology like qXR offers a promising way forward.A recent study presented at the European Lung Cancer Congress 2025 found that qXR successfully identified high-risk nodules in 54.1% of cases, highlighting its utility as a frontline screening tool.With this, AstraZeneca and Qure.ai are now working with local governments and health agencies to expand the reach of AI-powered screening and bring timely lung cancer diagnosis to even more underserved communities.Must Watch