Better Medicine launches the world’s first CE-certified artificial intelligence solution for kidney cancer detection

Better Medicine, a medical technology company, has launched BMVision Kidney—the first CE-certified AI solution for kidney cancer detection developed under the EU MDR 2017/745 regulation. This software-as-a-medical-device (SaMD) is designed to support radiologists in the detection, classification, and measurement of kidney tumors on contrast-enhanced CT (CE-CT) scans, with the goal of improving early-stage diagnosis and streamlining cancer pathways.

Fully certified for clinical use in Europe, BMVision Kidney addresses a growing diagnostic need by functioning as both a triage assistant and safety net. The tool automatically identifies renal lesions, including those incidentally captured outside the primary field of view—an area where early-stage tumors are frequently missed during routine abdominal imaging. By highlighting these findings, it enables radiologists to prioritise high-risk cases more efficiently.

The AI is built on a deep learning model, allowing it to deliver high sensitivity and specificity in identifying abnormal renal lesions. Its clinical validation not only reinforces diagnostic performance but also improves inter-reader consistency, an important factor in reducing variation across radiology departments.

Rising incidence and costs of kidney cancer call for urgent action

Kidney cancer, while less common than other forms, is becoming increasingly important, especially in younger people. 

Cancer Research UK points out, in the United Kingdom, kidney cancer is now the 6th most common cancer, with a significant upward trend in incidence. Between 2007–2009 and 2017–2019, advanced-stage diagnoses increased by 26%, contributing to a 92% overall rise in incidence since the early 1990s. The disease currently claims around 4,700 lives annually in the UK, or 13 deaths per day.

The economic impact is equally alarming. Globally, kidney cancer is linked to $536 billion in economic losses, or 0.012% of global GDP. However, the UK bears a disproportionately high cost, with $508 million in annual losses—representing 0.61% of national GDP. The UK’s per capita loss of $7,125 is over 100 times the global average, reflecting high treatment costs and productivity losses. (Chen 2023)

These figures underline the critical need for earlier diagnosis and better clinical tools. As incidence and costs climb, innovations such as AI-powered diagnostic solutions offer a much-needed opportunity to support radiologists and improve patient outcomes.

Harnessing technology to drive efficiency in healthcare

Healthcare costs continue to rise globally, placing increasing pressure on the medical sector to deliver greater efficiency and effectiveness. In this environment, modern technologies are playing a critical role—not only improving resource use but also acting as an essential second set of eyes for clinicians.

Better Medicine’s CEO, Priit Salumaa, highlights that the development and validation of BMVision Kidney involved close collaboration with international clinical experts, resulting in robust performance outcomes. The kidney model was trained using anonymised CT scans from real patients to ensure broad clinical applicability and reliability.

In a clinical study conducted by Better Medicine, radiologists working with the AI-assisted software measured tumors up to 52% faster compared to manual measurements. The study also demonstrated that radiologists collaborating with the AI detected kidney tumors in up to 99.2% of sample cases, underlining the technology’s potential to enhance diagnostic speed and accuracy.

“Our goal is to become a leading provider of intelligent cancer diagnostic tools,” says Salumaa. “We are initially focusing on abdominal tumors, where detection is particularly challenging and effective solutions remain limited. We continue to work with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in the UK, as well as the University of Tartu, Tartu University Hospital, and Pärnu Hospital to further validate and refine the technology.”

Better Medicine is actively seeking partnerships with hospitals and will be showcasing BMVision Kidney at the UK Imaging and Oncology Congress (UKIO). More information is available at bettermedicine.ai.

This news story has been sponsored by the companies concerned and does not represent the views or opinions of RAD Magazine.