Lung Cancer Network Malaysia (LCNM), in collaboration with AstraZeneca Malaysia, announces the successful diagnosis and treatment of Malaysia’s first lung cancer case detected using artificial intelligence (AI). This landmark achievement underscores the potential of AI in revolutionising healthcare, particularly in early cancer detection.
The patient, a 67-year-old male smoker with no symptoms, underwent a routine health screening at a private hospital in Klang Valley. An AI-enabled chest X-ray unexpectedly revealed a suspicious shadow in the upper left lung, prompting further investigation by the medical team.
"The AI system was able to detect subtle changes that could have easily been overlooked," said Dr Tho Lye Mun, President of LCNM and a clinical oncologist involved in the case. Subsequent tests, including an elevated CEA tumour marker and a biopsy, confirmed the presence of primary lung cancer.
Further staging scans showed that the cancer had not spread, allowing the patient to undergo a minimally invasive surgical procedure (upper lobectomy and lymph node dissection) performed by Prof. Dr Anand Sachithanandan, LCNM's founding president and consultant cardiothoracic surgeon.
"Surgery, as part of multi-modal therapy, offers the best chance of a cure for early-stage lung cancer," said Professor Sachithanandan, a cardiothoracic surgeon. "This case highlights the remarkable potential of AI-driven screening and validates the sustained efforts of the LCNM-AstraZeneca collaboration to improve patient outcomes."
The patient was discharged from the hospital just three days after the successful operation, reflecting advancements in lung cancer management.
"This case illustrates the transformative power of AI in expanding access to lung cancer screening," said Professor Sachithanandan. "By leveraging advanced diagnostic tools, we can detect the disease at an earlier, more treatable stage, before symptoms appear. However, it’s crucial to recognise that the real impact on patient outcomes depends not only on early screening but also on ensuring timely diagnosis and prompt treatment. In this case, the time from screening to definitive treatment was less than two weeks, demonstrating the importance of expediting the care pathway for improved survival."
Professor Sachithanandan added, "Screening leads to significant stage shift, enabling us to detect more early-stage tumours that respond better to curative treatments. Additionally, early-stage therapy is less intensive and more cost-effective."
This groundbreaking achievement is the result of a partnership between LCNM and AstraZeneca. The collaboration, which initially involved Qualitas Health Group, pioneered AI-enabled community screening for lung cancer in 2020 and expanded to include more partners in 2023. The advanced cloud-based software, utilising deep learning algorithms, was introduced at select private hospitals in the Klang Valley and is also available at the National Cancer Institute (IKN) in Putrajaya.
According to the latest data from the Malaysian National Cancer Registry Report 2017-2021, 95% of lung tumours in the country are detected at an advanced stage (stages III and IV). This statistic underscores the urgent need for more effective screening strategies.
AstraZeneca, in collaboration with the global Lung Ambition Alliance (LAA), remains dedicated to reducing lung cancer deaths through impactful screening initiatives. Lung cancer continues to be a significant health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which account for 67% of cases and 69% of deaths globally. In Malaysia, where lung cancer is the second most common cancer among men and third among women, we are leading efforts to improve access to early screening and diagnosis.
Mr. Vinod Narayanan, Country President of AstraZeneca Malaysia, said, "By leveraging AI-enhanced chest X-rays (AI-CXRs) and low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, we aim to make lung cancer screening more accessible and cost-effective. It’s essential to screen both smokers and non-smokers with significant risk factors to ensure timely and accurate diagnoses. Our goal is to improve patient outcomes and reduce lung cancer mortality."
Dr Tho highlighted the complexity of cancer care, which often requires a multi-disciplinary approach. "This case involved coordination among specialists, including oncologists, chest physicians, radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and pathologists. We commend AstraZeneca’s commitment to improving the care pathway for cancer patients and encourage more public-private partnerships to drive meaningful change in the treatment journey."
LCNM is dedicated to improving lung cancer outcomes through awareness, education, and advocacy. For more information, visit www.lungcancer.net.my
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