AI software could lead to earlier detection of lung cancer

Researchers believe new AI software could help doctors detect lung cancer at an earlier stage and deliver more effective treatments for patients.

Lung cancer is the deadliest type of cancer. In the UK, 47,000 people are newly diagnosed each year, with over 35,000 dying from it. The low survival rate for lung cancer is because it is often detected late.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is supporting the DOLCE study, which is investigating a new software programme to help analyse if spots on the lung found on CT scans are cancerous. Researchers hope the results could save lives and help the NHS save money by avoiding unnecessary procedures. The NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) South London helped recruit volunteers to the study.

The study is led by Chief Investigator Professor David Baldwin at Nottingham University Hospitals in partnership with Optellum lung AI software.

Dr Richard Lee, a Consultant Physician in Respiratory Medicine and Champion for Early Cancer Diagnosis at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and NIHR National Specialty Lead for Screening, Prevention and Early Detection, is the study’s Local Principal Investigator. Dr Lee said:

“This technology could help us to spot cancer at an earlier stage, when treatment is likely to be more effective, by allowing us to invite people for investigation sooner.

“Often, when we find spots on the lung from a CT scan, the person will require follow-up imaging, which can take many months and can cause worry. The hope is an earlier AI decision could help to speed things up.

“A current challenge for consultants is correctly identifying lung cancer from these spots on the CT scans. An automated approach could reduce variability and provide a safety net for these decisions. The software offers us many opportunities, but research is critical to ensure that we make the most of these evolving technologies with the scientific proof that they are effective.”