NEW DELHI: The Lung Health & Oncology National Conference 2024, held by the IHW Council, showcased transformative partnerships and technologies addressing the growing burden of lung cancer in India.
A key highlight of the event was the announcement of a strategic partnership between AstraZeneca and Qure.ai, a leader in artificial intelligence applications in healthcare. Mohammed Yahya, Director of the CEO’s office at Qure.ai, underscored the pivotal role of AI in lung cancer diagnosis, particularly in its early stages, where survival rates are significantly higher.
“More than 90% of lung cancer cases in India are diagnosed at advanced stages, making them untreatable, our partnership with AstraZeneca aims to leverage AI as a surveillance tool to improve early detection and precision in diagnostics, even in resource-constrained settings,” he said.
The collaboration focuses on integrating Qure.ai’s advanced radiology solutions into clinical workflows, which the company claims ensure faster and more accurate identification of lung cancer. Yahya further emphasised that these innovations could bridge critical gaps in India’s healthcare infrastructure by enabling cost-effective and scalable diagnostic solutions.
Supporting the potential of AI, Col Rajeev Mannali, CEO of SUT Pattom Super Speciality Hospital, spoke during the conference’s panel discussions. He praised the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI while emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts, such as the Lung Cancer Free Kerala campaign, to tackle the disease’s growing prevalence.
In addition to AI, the conference explored the role of molecular biomarkers as advanced diagnostic tools. By identifying genetic mutations and protein expressions, these biomarkers complement AI technologies, enabling personalized treatment approaches and earlier interventions.
The conference concluded with a call for widespread adoption of innovative technologies like AI and molecular diagnostics to address the disparities in lung cancer care and improve patient outcomes across India.