AI and Robotics Speed Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Officials have described an initiative as “a glimpse of the future of cancer detection,” and NHS plans aim for all eligible individuals to receive their first screening by 2030

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in the Hereford Times

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, with more than 49,000 new diagnoses and around 33,000 deaths annually. Early detection is crucial, yet many lung nodules (small growths that may indicate cancer) are difficult to detect or reach with traditional methods, delaying diagnosis. NHS England has been running targeted lung cancer screening since 2019, inviting people aged 55 to 74 who have ever smoked to check their lung health. The programme was rolled out nationally in 2023, and more than 1.5 million people have been screened to date.

The Study

A new NHS pilot, led by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, combines artificial intelligence with robotic technology to improve lung cancer diagnosis. AI software analyses lung scans and flags suspicious nodules. Doctors then use a robotic catheter – a thin tube inserted through the patient’s throat – to take precise biopsies directly from the nodules for lab analysis. The robotic system can access nodules as small as 6mm, often hidden deep within the lungs and difficult to reach with traditional biopsy tools. This reduces the need for patients to wait for repeat scans to monitor growth, potentially speeding up diagnosis or ruling out cancer.

The Results

Specialists at Guy’s and St Thomas’ have already tested this method on hundreds of patients. Of the 300 robotic biopsy procedures performed so far, 215 patients went on to receive cancer treatment, highlighting the system’s ability to identify cancer efficiently and accurately. The new pilot will involve a further 250 patients. Plans are also underway to expand the procedure to King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust.

What It Means

The pilot represents a significant step forward in early lung cancer detection. By combining AI and robotics, clinicians can identify smaller, hard-to-reach nodules faster, potentially improving outcomes for patients through earlier intervention. If successful, this approach could become a standard part of lung cancer screening, reducing delays in diagnosis and offering a model for integrating advanced technology into routine NHS care.