With the help of artificial intelligence, X-ray technology is now capable of identifying lung cancer years before the manifestation of symptoms and ensuing diagnosis.
New York’s Qure.ai showcased data from a study on its AI-powered X-ray tech at the World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) in San Diego this week. The investigation was completed at a cancer research centre in Bangkok, Thailand. AstraZeneca plc (NASDAQ: AZN) helped fund the studies.
Qure can detect nodules in a person’s lungs that may develop into cancer about three years before symptoms appear, the research showed. The company achieves this through the use of its “qXR” equipment. This is one of many pioneering advancements in healthcare brought about by the advancement of AI.
“This abstract study, presented at the WCLC, provides a snapshot of the significant potential that AI-assisted chest X-ray analysis holds for transforming early cancer detection and reducing the rate of missed lung cancer diagnoses,” Thai oncology specialist, Dr. Passakorn Wanchaijiraboon, said.
Wanchaijiraboon explained that this is particularly beneficial for community hospitals as diagnostic capabilities without the need for radiologists are enhanced significantly. Thai researchers at local healthcare centres have reported that about 80 per cent of early-stage lung cancers get overlooked or missed on standard chest X-rays.
As #WCLC2024 draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on an incredible few days filled with groundbreaking insights, inspiring collaborations, and forward-thinking innovations in the world of #LungCancer.
A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth to see… pic.twitter.com/doZB2ngJkF
— Qure.ai (@qure_ai) September 10, 2024
Read more: Breath Diagnostics takes aim at lung cancer with One Breath
Read more: Breath Diagnostics pioneers novel lung cancer breath test
Others develop similar tech
A team of researchers at Germany’s University of Cologne have been fine-tuning a similar technology. It analyzes digital representations of lung tissue samples to detect the disease. Their technology is equipped with graphic processing units made by NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA).
Lung Cancer Network Malaysia and AstraZeneca were also recently able to diagnose a 67-year-old smoker with lung cancer through the use of an AI-powered X-ray in a routine health screening. He had no symptoms at the time.
In December, London-based Bering Limited received FDA approval for its AI-powered chest X-ray technology “BraveCX.”
Radiation-free testing options emerge
One American company in particular has successfully developed a novel testing method that merely involves collecting a breath sample from patients. That is, Breath Diagnostics Inc.
Through the use of a state-of-the-art microreactor machine, volatile organic compounds present in the breath are stabilized. This then enables accurate detection of biomarkers associated with the disease at a lab. The entire process is completed within four business days.
As low-dose CT scans and X-rays involve the use of radiation, this technology represents a superior alternative.
“Our goal right now is to commercialize the product before FDA approval, through a laboratory-developed test,” chief executive Ivan Lo says.
The potential return on investment for new lung cancer screening technologies like this could be in the billions. Early detection that it enables is crucial for improved survival rates.
No doubt that the market is growing
Various market researchers have predicted that the lung cancer diagnostics industry will ascend at a compound annual growth rate ranging between 5 per cent to 11 per cent for the remainder of the decade.
These include Global Market Insights, Growth Market Reports, Transparency Market Research and others.
The addressable market for lung cancer screening in the U.S. alone is estimated to be worth over US$63 billion.
rowan@mugglehead.com
