Oxipit and AstraZeneca have collaborated to do a joint pilot study, where Oxipit’s ChestEye Quality AI software is employed for improved pulmonary nodule detection.
The software was deployed in two major primary care centres in Lithuania. With nearly 50.000 chest X-ray images analysed over the course of 2021, ChestEye Quality helped to detect 82 additional clinically relevant nodule findings, potentially identifying additional early instances of lung cancer.
The trial introduced the ChestEye Quality AI-powered double reading workflow, where Oxipit AI software analyses chest X-ray images and corresponding radiologist reports to identify any unreported findings. These missed findings are then validated by an Oxipit radiologist. Validated missed findings are then highlighted in the X-ray image and a notification is sent to the reporting radiologist to take a second look at the study.
Over the course of a year, ChestEye Quality identified 190 clinically relevant missed findings, 82 of which were potentially missed subtle pulmonary nodules. Most nodules in Quality studies are subtle: most are under 15 mm in size, often partially obscured by superposing structures such as ribs/hilar area/heart shadow.
The study was undertaken in Šeškinė (Vilnius) and Kaunas city primary care centres, which provide services to more than 260.000 patients. Outpatient clinics were specifically chosen to trial AI framework in ‘real-world’ conditions, as pulmonary nodules could be identified during routine health checks or as secondary findings.
Head of radiology centre at Kaunas city polyclinic Tomas Budrys, said: “The trial showcased that artificial intelligence could significantly boost identification of granulomas, subtle pulmonary nodules, and small infiltrations. I strongly feel ChestEye Quality would help radiologists spot more subtle cases.”
According to a doctor at Šeškinė polyclinic, Rasa Tamasauskiene, ChestEye Quality received positive feedback from the department’s radiologists.
Dr Tamasauskiene said: “In a few clicks ChestEye Quality provides a valuable second opinion. This benefits both - the doctor and the patient.”
Oxipit CEO Gediminas Peksys says ChestEye Quality merges ‘best of both worlds’ - AI capability to efficiently process vast amounts of studies and identify even the most subtle details and the human medical expertise, critical thinking and impactful decision making.
“In Lithuania 1200 patients are annually diagnosed with lung cancer. According to the pilot study results, a nationwide ChestEye Quality deployment would help to identify up to 20% lung cancer instances per year at a very early stage, significantly improving treatment prognosis and boosting patient life expectancy.”
The pilot project was delivered in partnership with AstraZeneca. The company is a founding member of Lung Ambition Alliance, a partnership of organisations aiming to eliminate lung cancer as a cause of death.
Baltics country director at AstraZeneca Daniela Pavlic, said: “The pandemic continues to have an impact on cancer screening, diagnosis and access to treatment, particularly affecting people living with lung cancer. That said, we proudly continue important work with partners across the globe to support and reinforce getting patients back to cancer care, including routine cancer screenings, treatment, and testing through initiatives like Lung Ambition Alliance. Improved screening performance, boosted by AI capabilities and other advanced technology tools, is the primary step for beginning treatment as soon as possible, leading to a significant improvement in patient outcomes.”
