NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde deploys AI for earlier detection of lung cancer
A digital health collaboration between the Scottish Government, University of Glasgow, Qure.ai and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is rolling out the AI-powered chest x-ray reporting solution qXR across Glasgow. It is part of a national coordinated evaluation of AI in radiology to improve lung cancer patient outcomes, and to prove clinical and cost effectiveness.
Lung cancer is the most common cause of death in Scotland with around 5,500 cases diagnosed each year, which is predicted to increase by 29 per cent for women and 12 per cent for men by 2027. By detecting cancer earlier, from GP-referred chest x-rays in an outpatient hospital setting, the patient pathway to CT scan or treatment planning can be streamlined.
qXR is being supported by the University of Glasgow’s Digital Health Validation Lab, part of the Living Laboratory for Precision Medicine, providing academic leadership and support to deliver the trial alongside the trust and Qure.ai.
University of Glasgow professor of health innovation and emergency consultant at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Professor David Lowe stated: “Worldwide healthcare systems have a significant challenge in the detection of lung cancer. At present, nearly 50 per cent of patients present with advanced or stage 4 cancer, leading to poorer outcomes. If we can spot cancer earlier, by speeding up the time and accuracy of the 100,000 chest x-rays performed each year at the trust, we can improve time to further imaging and subsequent treatment. Qure’s chest x-ray AI will help orchestrate benefits for the whole patient care pathway.”
The Qure.ai qXR solution automatically segregates normal chest x-rays and flags abnormalities such as masses or lung nodules, enabling the prioritisation of patient case reporting for clinicians.
“Diagnosing cancer and other disease conditions earlier reduces long-term pressure on the health economy and enhances length and quality of life for patients. We will be closely supporting the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde team with this deployment,” said Qure.ai senior vice president and commercial head of UK and Europe Darren Stephens.
Picture: The qXR solution segregates normal chest x-rays and flags abnormalities such as lung nodules.
Published on page 18 of the January 2024 issue of RAD Magazine.