Yashoda Hospital, Hitech City, in partnership with Qure.ai and AstraZeneca, has unveiled an advanced AI-enabled Lung Nodule Clinic, designed to accelerate the early detection and management of lung cancer and other critical respiratory diseases. The initiative integrates artificial intelligence across the imaging-to-care continuum, filling a crucial gap in India where no national lung cancer screening programme currently exists.

Addressing India’s Delayed Lung Cancer Diagnoses

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in India, with over one lakh fatalities annually—largely due to late-stage diagnosis. Nearly 80% of cases are detected only in advanced stages, significantly reducing the chances of effective treatment.

The newly launched AI-enabled pathway aims to tackle this challenge by identifying lung nodules early, including in individuals without symptoms, and ensuring rapid clinical follow-up.

AI Deployment Shows Promising Early Results

Since its rollout, the AI system has analysed over 17,000 chest X-rays, flagging 960 lung nodules, of which 136 were classified as high-risk.
Key outcomes include:

• 77 patients fast-tracked for CT scans and pulmonology evaluation
• Early confirmed cases of lung cancer, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, and lymphoma
• Demonstrated clinical value in detecting a range of pulmonary conditions beyond cancer

Pulmonary nodules, often the earliest radiologic sign of lung cancer, can easily be overlooked in routine imaging workflows. The AI-enabled clinic helps eliminate this risk by ensuring structured detection, triage, and follow-up.

Integrated Care Pathway with Advanced Diagnostic Tools

At Yashoda Hospitals’ Department of Pulmonology, the AI system has been fully integrated into the diagnostic workflow to ensure consistent risk assessment and timely intervention. For precise diagnosis, the Interventional Pulmonology team employs advanced modalities such as:

• Radial endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
• Navigational bronchoscopy
• Cone-beam CT–guided sampling

These technologies enable clinicians to biopsy and diagnose even the smallest of nodules accurately and efficiently.

Expert Insights on the AI-Driven Model

Dr. V. Nagarjuna Maturu, Senior Consultant, Clinical & Interventional Pulmonology, said, “This programme demonstrates how AI can be embedded into routine clinical workflows to detect lung disease earlier, even beyond traditional screening criteria.”

He added that the structured pathway ensures every incidental finding is monitored and followed, setting a new benchmark for proactive respiratory care.

Dr. Vipul Garg, Associate Consultant, who leads the clinic, highlighted the importance of operational efficiency, “Our nurse-navigator model ensures that every patient flagged by AI is contacted promptly and guided seamlessly through the next steps. It standardises timelines and documentation across departments to minimise delays.”

Also read: Morphle Labs Secures $5 Mn Series A Funding to Advance Automated Cancer Diagnostics

Setting a New Standard for Data-Driven Respiratory Care

The AI-augmented lung nodule pathway at Yashoda Hospital – Hitech City, represents a major advancement in India’s approach to early lung disease detection. By converting incidental radiologic findings into actionable clinical decisions, the hospital aims to improve early diagnosis rates and reduce the burden of late-stage lung cancer nationwide.

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