Episode 23: Using Artificial Intelligence to boost cancer diagnostics

Taking Control of Cancer

In this episode host Steve Bland explores the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cancer diagnosis with Oliver Hawkins, Senior Project Manager, at the North East London Cancer Alliance; Angela Wong, the Chief Medical Officer at the North East London Cancer Alliance; and Basab Bhattacharya, who is a Consultant radiologist with an interest in body imaging, clinical informatics and artificial intelligence, at the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.

In particular, we're looking at a project in North East London which aims to reduce the wait time for chest X-ray results from three weeks to just three days for scans with significant findings (https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/news/using-artificial-intelligence-faster-chest-x-ray-results)

In collaboration with Sectra and Qure.ai, North East London Cancer Alliance is using the Sectra Amplifier services integrating Qure.ai qXR AI tool to help radiologists and reporting radiographers prioritise urgent cases, enhance decision-making, and streamline the patient journey.

By prioritising urgent cases and quickly sorting through unremarkable ones, the AI system reduces delays in diagnosing critical conditions like lung cancer. This means patients can receive faster treatment when needed, improving their outcomes by ensuring timely care. For those without cancer, the system provides quicker reassurance, giving them peace of mind sooner.

This podcast discusses the benefits of using AI, as well as the challenges and barriers. It also focuses on patient safety as a key priority and helps explain how the nee technology is being introduced safely into cancer care.