Study Confirms AI Boosts Cancer Detection Rates
Lunit’s groundbreaking research published in Nature Communications has validated the effectiveness of AI-powered mammography screening in real-world settings. This first-of-its-kind large-scale, multicenter prospective study demonstrated that AI assistance significantly improves breast cancer detection without increasing recall rates, establishing a new benchmark for screening programs worldwide.
Revolutionary Results in South Korea’s National Program
The comprehensive study, led by Professor Yun-Woo Chang from Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, analyzed 24,543 women aged 40+ who underwent routine biennial mammography between February 2021 and December 2022. Conducted across six prestigious academic hospitals in South Korea, the research compared traditional interpretation methods with those enhanced by Lunit INSIGHT MMG, the company’s AI-based computer-aided detection system.
Impressive Detection Improvements Without False Positives
The findings revealed remarkable improvements in cancer detection with AI assistance:
- 13.8% increase in screen-detected breast cancers compared to conventional methods
- Cancer detection rate (CDR) rose from 5.01 to 5.70 per 1,000 examinations
- Recall rates remained statistically unchanged, preventing unnecessary additional tests
- Significant improvement in detecting small-sized tumors and node-negative cancers, critical markers of early detection
Transformative Impact for General Radiologists
Beyond specialized breast radiologists, the study evaluated how Lunit INSIGHT MMG affected general radiologists through a simulated retrospective analysis. The results were even more dramatic:
- 26.4% increase in cancer detection rates (from 3.87 to 4.89 per 1,000)
- Clear demonstration that AI can effectively support radiologists with varying expertise levels
“This prospective study offers compelling real-world evidence that AI can improve early cancer detection while maintaining effectiveness and reducing unnecessary patient anxiety caused by false positives in a single-reading setting,” noted Professor Chang, the study’s lead author.
Versatile Solution for Global Screening Protocols
Lunit’s AI technology has proven effective in both single and double-reading screening environments. In Sweden, Capio St. Göran Hospital made history by replacing one of two radiologists in its double-reading workflow with Lunit’s AI following successful clinical trials, establishing a new paradigm in breast cancer screening.
“This latest prospective study in South Korea further solidifies Lunit INSIGHT MMG’s potential as an indispensable tool in breast cancer screening,” said Brandon Suh, CEO of Lunit. “Whether in a single-reader or double-reader setting, AI can serve as a powerful force multiplier, assisting radiologists in detecting cancer earlier and more accurately.”
Global Adoption Accelerating
The evidence supporting AI’s role in mammography screening continues to mount, driving international implementation. Lunit INSIGHT MMG has already been deployed in national breast screening programs across multiple countries including:
- Australia
- Sweden
- Iceland
- Singapore
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
These implementations help healthcare systems enhance efficiency and optimize diagnostic accuracy in regions with varied resources and protocols.
Addressing Radiologist Shortages Worldwide
The study’s findings will likely influence global breast cancer screening approaches, particularly in regions where single-reading mammography is standard practice. By demonstrating AI’s ability to enhance accuracy without increasing recall rates, the research provides crucial support for AI’s role in optimizing cancer detection while addressing radiologist shortages.
This becomes increasingly important as many countries face declining numbers of specialized breast imaging professionals, making AI an essential tool for maintaining high diagnostic standards while improving workflow efficiency.
“As AI adoption accelerates, we remain committed to driving innovation and making AI-powered cancer screening the new standard of care,” added Suh. “By working closely with healthcare providers worldwide, we aim to ensure that AI benefits as many patients as possible.”
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