AI-Driven Chest X-Ray Solution Offers Enhanced Lung Nodule Detection

By MedImaging International staff writers
Posted on 16 Jan 2024

Image: The qXR-LN uses AI to identify and localize lung nodules (Photo courtesy of Qure.ai)

Chest X-rays (CXRs) are a fundamental diagnostic tool, accounting for about 25% of all diagnostic imaging procedures annually. Their widespread use in diagnosing various cardiothoracic conditions is due to their accessibility, mobility, cost-effectiveness, and familiarity compared to other imaging modalities. However, CXRs are prone to misinterpretation, with error rates up to 30%. Previous studies have highlighted this issue, showing inter-radiologist and physician agreement rates as low as 78%. Misinterpretations can have serious implications, as revealed by studies where 19% of lung tumors, appearing as pulmonary nodules on CXRs, were initially missed, potentially leading to fatal outcomes for patients. Now, a novel CXR-based solution uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and localize potentially malignant pulmonary nodules, thereby significantly aiding the fight against lung cancer.

qXR for Lung Nodule (qXR – LN) from Qure.ai (Mumbai, India) represents a breakthrough in computer-aided detection software. It is designed to identify and highlight suspected pulmonary nodules ranging from 6 to 30 mm, specifically targeting the incidental adult population. This tool, a game-changer in diagnostic technology, can also function as a crucial second reader in reviewing adult frontal (AP/PA) chest radiographs taken on digital radiographic systems. Qure.ai has validated the safety and efficacy of its lung nodule device through two pivotal studies. The first study confirmed its standalone effectiveness, achieving a 94% Area Under the Curve (AUC) for nodule detection. The second study demonstrated that, with qXR-LN assistance, some emergency room physicians and pulmonologists nearly matched or even exceeded the baseline performance of radiologists.

The early detection of lung nodules in plain film radiography is crucial for the timely identification of cancer risks, allowing for prompt intervention and improved patient outcomes. Accurate nodule detection is essential for treatment planning, disease progression monitoring, and reducing false positives and negatives, thereby enhancing healthcare efficiency. Innovations like qXR-LN are pivotal in evolving pulmonary imaging, especially in the field of oncology. The criticality of early-stage lung cancer detection underscores the importance of tools like qXR-LN in identifying incidental nodules at an early stage. With its recent FDA clearance, qXR-LN stands as the only FDA-cleared solution for detecting and localizing lung nodules using computer vision, targeting radiologists, pulmonologists, and emergency room physicians as its primary users.

“With this latest addition to our large series of recent FDA clearances, we are steadfast in our unwavering commitment to the US healthcare space,” said Prashant Warier, Co-Founder and CEO of Qure.ai. “Having already effectively deployed and implemented this solution globally, this clearance marks yet another ground-breaking leap in our pioneering efforts to combat lung cancer. Our heightened emphasis on the North American marketplace solidifies our commitment to making a meaningful impact in the fight against this deadly disease and underscores our dedication to advancing healthcare through innovation, providing a transformative solution enhancing the early detection of cancer and ultimately improving patient outcomes.”