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Early detection remains a critical factor in improving outcomes for lung cancer patients. Traditional screening methods can be resource-intensive and prone to delayed diagnoses, particularly in developing healthcare systems. Goa, India, has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to transform lung cancer screening within its public health sector, setting a new benchmark for cancer care.
A Pioneering Public-Private Partnership
Goa stands as the first state in India to implement AI for lung cancer screening in the public sector. This ambitious project is a result of a strategic public-private partnership between the state of Goa, AstraZeneca, and Qure.ai.
- The initiative commenced in February 2024, offering free-of-cost screening across all levels of the public health system.
- Its success and innovative approach were recognized and presented at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva in May 2025.
The AI-Driven Screening System: How It Works
The core of Goa’s screening program is Qure.ai’s deep learning algorithm, ‘qXR’, designed for the automated interpretation of radiology images. This sophisticated AI tool is seamlessly integrated into the state’s existing digital X-ray network.
- Advanced Detection Capabilities:
- The qXR algorithm automatically detects and localizes up to 29 health markers from chest X-rays, including those indicative of possible lung cancer.
- It effectively identifies various features associated with lung cancer, such as sharply circumscribed nodules, masses, and lesions with irregular or ill-defined margins.
- Crucially, the system is capable of picking up minuscule nodules that might otherwise be overlooked by human experts.
- Efficiency and Accuracy:
- The software can process both analogue and digital chest X-rays in under a minute, significantly enhancing diagnostic speed.
- Studies have demonstrated a 17% improvement in sensitivity when using AI for chest X-ray interpretation compared to traditional radiologist readings.
- Comprehensive Integration:
- Screening is operational across 17 public health centers and hospitals.
- The program facilitates chest X-rays, CT scans, and structured follow-ups.
- Incidental Findings: A key advantage is the system’s ability to flag potential signs of lung cancer on routine X-rays, even when patients initially visit for completely unrelated health issues, ensuring no opportunity for early detection is missed.
Tangible Impact and Enhanced Patient Outcomes
Since its inception, the AI-driven screening program in Goa has yielded remarkable results, demonstrating its efficacy in improving early detection and patient management.
- Extensive Reach: Over 75,000 chest X-rays have been screened.
- Significant Detections:
- More than 6,000 pulmonary nodules have been identified.
- Over 500 individuals have been flagged as high-risk for lung cancer.
- Seven lung cancer cases have been detected that would have otherwise gone unnoticed, a substantial improvement compared to the previous rate of 100 to 200 cases typically detected over a two-year period.
- Streamlined Care Pathways:
- The waiting period for CT scans for high-risk patients has been dramatically reduced from 10 days to just 2 days.
- High-risk patients are issued a “pink slip,” prioritizing their access to follow-up tests and specialized care, thereby accelerating the pathway to diagnosis and treatment.
A Model for Enhanced Healthcare Delivery
The initiative in Goa serves as a powerful model for leveraging AI to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery, reduce diagnostic delays, and ultimately save lives. This approach aligns with AstraZeneca and Qure.ai’s broader strategic collaboration, which aims to scale the use of deep learning algorithms globally in emerging markets to improve early-stage lung cancer detection, reduce mortality rates, and enhance patient journeys worldwide. Such innovations are vital for boosting the capabilities of healthcare ecosystems and advancing towards the ambitious goal of eliminating cancer as a cause of death.
