AI Detects Lung Nodules Leading to Lung Cancer Nearly 3 Years Before Symptoms, Study Shows

The research, conducted at Phrapokklao Hospital’s Cancer Centre of Excellence in Bangkok, Thailand, used the Qure.ai chest X-ray AI solution, qXR, to analyze patient data.

A recent study has revealed that AI technology can detect lung nodules leading to lung cancer nearly 3 years before symptoms.

A new study presented at the 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer reveals the potential of AI-powered chest X-ray interpretation to detect lung nodules that could develop into early-stage lung cancer nearly three years before symptoms appear or an official diagnosis is made.

The research conducted at Phrapokklao Hospital’s Cancer Centre of Excellence in Bangkok, Thailand, used the Qure.ai chest X-ray AI solution, qXR, to analyze patient data.

Key Findings

The study's interim results show an average diagnostic delay of nearly three years from the first abnormal chest X-ray to diagnosis.

The study, led by Dr Passakorn Wanchaijiraboon, a Medical Oncologist and Deputy Director at Phrapokklao Hospital, said, "In most Thai government hospitals, chest X-rays are interpreted by non-radiologists. However, in community hospitals, there are often no radiologists available to read chest X-rays at all. By overlaying specialist AI to read all cases, we can support clinicians in detecting incidental high-risk nodules that may lead to lung cancer.’’

According to him, this approach can streamline decision-making and potentially improve patient survival through the earlier diagnosis of cancer.

“The implementation of CXR AI is particularly beneficial in the context of community hospitals, where it can significantly enhance diagnostic capabilities in the absence of on-site radiologists,” he added.

Further, the Phrapokklao Cancer Centre study reviewed chest X-ray images of newly diagnosed lung cancer patients over a year using the qXR solution.

The findings revealed that 18% of cases had a missed lung cancer diagnosis over an average period of nearly three years (32.3 months), with some cases showing delays of up to eight years (96 months).

Missed lung cancer cases were defined as those where cancer was not identified in the original report six months before a confirmed diagnosis.

Reportedly, half of the patient cases involved chest X-rays taken for non-respiratory symptoms during routine health check-ups, which were classified as ‘incidentally detected.’

Sharing thoughts, Bhargava Reddy, Chief Business Officer, Oncology at Qure.ai, said, "Overlaying AI on chest X-rays casts the net wider by proactively triaging patients for the risk of lung cancer. It goes beyond people with symptoms or qualifying for screening initiatives based on age or smoking history, to currently invisible and unprofiled patient populations thus detecting lung cancers earlier.”

Lung cancer has one of the lowest survival rates among cancers, with over two-thirds of patients diagnosed at an advanced stage when curative treatment is no longer possible.

Missed lung cancer nodules are a significant concern for clinicians and a notable medicolegal challenge, being the third most common reason for malpractice claims.

The Phrapokklao Cancer Centre study poster abstract can be viewed here - (https://www.qure.ai/evidence/The-potential-of-chest-X-ray-Al-in-detecting-missed-lung-cancer-diagnosis-in-a-community-based-cancer-center-in-thailand).