The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is supporting the DOLCE study, looking into how new AI software could help detect lung cancer at an earlier stage and deliver more effective treatments for patients.
Researchers hope the results could save lives and help the NHS save money by avoiding unnecessary procedures.
The NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) South London is helping recruit volunteers to the study.
Lung cancer is the deadliest type of cancer. In the UK, 47,000 people are newly diagnosed each year, with over 35,000 dying from it.
The low survival rate for lung cancer is because it is often detected late.
This technology could help us to spot cancer at an earlier stage, when treatment is likely to be more effective
The study’s Local Principal Investigator is Dr Richard Lee, a Consultant Physician in Respiratory Medicine and Champion for Early Cancer Diagnosis at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and NIHR National Specialty Lead for Screening, Prevention and Early Detection.
Dr Lee said: “This technology could help us to spot cancer at an earlier stage, when treatment is likely to be more effective, by allowing us to invite people for investigation sooner.”
“A current challenge for consultants is correctly identifying lung cancer from these spots on the CT scans,” Dr Lee explained.
“An automated approach could reduce variability and provide a safety net for these decisions,” Dr Lee continued.
“The software offers us many opportunities, but research is critical to ensure that we make the most of these evolving technologies with the scientific proof that they are effective,” Dr Lee concluded.
Researchers hope the results could save lives and help the NHS save money by avoiding unnecessary procedures
Dr Tony Leonard from Brighton is taking part in the DOLCE study after being invited by The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London.
This followed a CT scan Dr Leonard had at the Royal Brompton, where they were investigating lung problems he’s been experiencing associated with pulmonary fibrosis.
Dr Leonard has agreed for his scan to be analysed as part of the research. He said: “My mother suffered from three different types of cancer, which led to her having a radical mastectomy, a stoma fitted and problems with her lymph glands.”
“I remember her emphasising that the earlier you can catch something, the more likely doctors will have a chance to make a difference,” Dr Leonard explained.
“So, I understand the importance of early cancer diagnosis and innovations to improve its treatment,” Dr Leonard continued.
“If I can play a part in helping to develop systems to catch the disease at an early stage, then I would be delighted,” Dr Leonard concluded.
