The Lung Ambition Alliance is pleased to highlight a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to improve lung cancer detection, equity and outcomes globally. AstraZeneca and Qure.ai have announced the successful completion of 5 million artificial intelligence- (AI) enabled chest X-rays (CXRs) across more than 20 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.1 This achievement demonstrates the transformative potential of AI in improving lung cancer detection, particularly within resource-limited healthcare settings.

The AI-enabled CXRs, powered by Qure.ai's qXR® technology, have revealed promising findings, including the identification of lung nodules at high risk for cancer in nearly 50,000 people2. These individuals have been referred for further testing and possible diagnosis, potentially leading to earlier intervention and improved outcomes.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide3, and screening is critical to detection and improved survival rates. However, access to advanced screening technologies is often limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where over 70% of lung cancer deaths occur.4,5 This disparity underscores the urgent need for cost-effective and scalable solutions that can bridge the gap and ensure equitable access to diagnosis.

This collaboration with Qure.ai exemplifies the power of partnerships in driving innovation throughout the patient journey. By leveraging AI to analyze routine X-rays for risks of cancer, healthcare professionals can focus on those patients who need further assessment, such as a low-dose computer tomography (LDCT) scan to confirm or rule out lung cancer. This resource-stratified approach is particularly valuable in countries where resources are limited, as it helps to make the best use of available equipment and expertise, ensuring that those at highest risk receive the attention they need and that screening programs are as effective as possible.

This important milestone supports the World Economic Forum EDISON Alliance,⁶ which aims to improve lives through digital healthcare access. It serves an example of how collaboration can drive innovation to address critical challenges and begin to build scalable approaches to change the course of cancer.

The Lung Ambition Alliance recognizes the importance of these advancements and their potential to transform lung cancer care globally. By continuing to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and advocate for policy changes that support improved detection, we can work towards a future where more lung cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, leading to improved survival rates and a reduced global burden of the disease.

Authored by Ti Hwei How,
VP Oncology & Market Access, International Markets, AstraZeneca

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca, founding partner of the Alliance, is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology.

About Qure.ai

Qure.ai is a health tech company that uses deep learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make healthcare more accessible and equitable for patients worldwide.