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AI & Robots Speed Up Lung Cancer Diagnosis
27 Jan
Summary
- AI and robotic tech will analyze lung scans for early cancer detection.
- Aims to replace lengthy procedures with a single, 30-minute biopsy.
- The UK plans to offer lung cancer screening to all smokers by 2030.
NHS England is spearheading a groundbreaking trial utilizing artificial intelligence and robotic technology to expedite the detection and diagnosis of lung cancer. This initiative, being tested at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS trust in London, seeks to combat the UK's most lethal form of cancer.
The trial deploys AI software to meticulously analyze lung scans, flagging even tiny, potentially cancerous nodules. Subsequently, a robotic camera will guide miniature tools for precise biopsies, aiming to streamline the diagnostic process and enhance accuracy for hard-to-reach tissues.
This technological leap is part of a larger commitment to offer lung cancer screening to all smokers and ex-smokers by 2030. Officials anticipate this expansion could lead to the diagnosis of an estimated 50,000 lung cancers by 2035, with a significant portion detected at an early, more treatable stage.
Experts believe this approach could transform lung cancer diagnosis, potentially replacing weeks of uncertainty with a single, 30-minute procedure. The goal is to enable earlier treatment, improving patient survival rates and addressing health inequalities associated with the disease.
