TL;DR:
- Malaysia successfully diagnosed and treated its first lung cancer case using AI.
- AI-enabled chest X-rays detected early-stage lung cancer, leading to successful surgery.
- 95% of lung cancers in Malaysia are detected at advanced stages, highlighting the importance of early screening.
The Power of AI in Early Detection
In a groundbreaking achievement, Malaysia has successfully diagnosed and treated its first lung cancer case using artificial intelligence (AI). This remarkable feat showcases the transformative power of AI in healthcare, particularly in early disease detection. Doctors in Kuala Lumpur announced that a 67-year-old male smoker with no symptoms was diagnosed with lung cancer through an AI-enabled chest X-ray during a routine health screening.
“The AI system was able to detect subtle changes that could have easily been overlooked,” said Dr Tho Lye Mun, president of the Lung Cancer Network Malaysia (LCNM) and the clinical oncologist involved in the case.
This early detection led to further investigation and confirmation of primary lung cancer.
Early Detection Means Better Treatment
Following the diagnosis, the patient underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure, an upper lobectomy, and lymph node dissection. The surgery was performed by Prof Dr Anand Sachithanandan, LCNM founding president and consultant cardiothoracic surgeon. The patient was discharged just three days after the operation, highlighting the benefits of early detection and treatment.
“Surgery, as part of multi-modal therapy, offers the best chance of a cure for early-stage lung cancer,” said Prof Sachithanandan.
The case underscores the importance of early screening and timely treatment in improving patient outcomes.
The Impact of AI on Lung Cancer Screening
According to the Malaysian National Cancer Registry Report 2017-2021, 95% of lung tumours in the country are detected at advanced stages (Stages III and IV). Lung cancer is the second most common cancer among men and the third most common among women in Malaysia. Early screening can lead to a significant stage shift, enabling doctors to detect more early-stage tumours that respond better to curative treatments.
“Additionally, early-stage therapy is less intensive and more cost-effective,” added Prof Sachithanandan.
The achievement is the result of a partnership between LCNM and AstraZeneca, which initially involved Qualitas Health Group and later expanded to include more partners.
AI-Enhanced Screening: The Future of Healthcare
The advanced cloud-based software utilising deep learning algorithms was introduced at select private hospitals in the Klang Valley and is also available at the National Cancer Institute in Putrajaya. AstraZeneca country president for Malaysia, Vinod Narayanan, emphasised the goal of making lung cancer screening more accessible and cost-effective through AI-enhanced chest X-rays and low-dose computed tomography scans.
The Road Ahead
The successful diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer using AI in Malaysia is a testament to the potential of AI in transforming healthcare in Asia. As AI technology continues to advance, its application in medical screening and diagnosis is expected to grow, leading to better patient outcomes and more cost-effective treatments.
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