A new partnership between Bristol-Myers Squibb Co (NYSE: BMY) (FRA: BRM) and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) (FRA: MSF) is propelling the latest AI-powered innovation in the healthcare sector.
On Jan. 20, the companies announced a collaboration to fight against one of the world’s deadliest cancers. Bristol Myers and Microsoft will integrate FDA-cleared AI algorithms into Microsoft’s Precision Imaging Network to help pinpoint early-stage non-small cell lung cancer by analyzing routine X-ray and CT scans.
The aim is to combine Bristol Myers’ oncology know-how with Microsoft’s radiology tech to make identifying malignant lung nodules before they metastasize a much easier task.
This artificial intelligence-driven approach could help with identifying the most impactful precision therapies and improve treatment outcomes, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
“Too many lives are lost by lung cancer worldwide,” said Bristol Myers digital health lead, Alexandra Goncalves. “Our belief is that AI and optimized care pathways can help physicians and patients through this journey.”
Early results suggest this could significantly cut false negatives and enhance radiologist efficiency, potentially saving lives through proactive detection.
“With our wide-scale deployment of our Precision Imaging Network within native provider workflows, we are helping providers and life science companies opportunistically screen for a wide array of diseases much earlier in their progression helping drive better outcomes for those we love,” stated Peter Durlach, Microsoft’s Chief Strategy Officer of Health & Life Sciences.
Read more: Prestigious medtech intelligence firm recognizes Breath Diagnostics for innovation
One of many emerging screening technologies on the horizon
In recent years, AI-powered technologies have been building momentum and transforming lung cancer screening from reactive to predictive.
Qure.ai’s qXR software is another tool that has been gaining steam in the oncology and medtech sectors. It analyzes chest X-rays for pulmonary nodules and has achieved high predictive accuracy. This software has been deployed in more than 5,000 sites throughout the globe. Like Bristol Myers, Microsoft is a company partner in the United States.
Others of note active in this medical technology niche include lung health specialist Optellum and MIT, creator of the Sybil lung cancer detection AI model. Sybil can accurately predict six-year cancer risk from analyzing a low-dose CT scan.
Meanwhile, non-invasive AI-integrated breath analysis systems have also been attracting attention. OneBreath from Breath Diagnostics is one of the most advanced in the field. Prestigious medtech firm Life Science Intelligence recently recognized Breath Diagnostics for being an emerging innovator.
Swift detection made possible through technologies like these could significantly reduce the global burden of lung cancer mortality in the years to come.
Read more: Breath Diagnostics completes install of advanced mass spectrometry system
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