The free AI-lung cancer screening programme was kicked off by Dr. Anand Sachithanandan, Cardiothoracic Surgeon at SJMC and President of LCNM alongside Dr. Sanjeev Panchal, Country President, AstraZeneca Malaysia based on the shared intention to close the gaps on early lung cancer detection.
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Malaysian men, where majority of these cases are detected late, giving lung cancer the worst survival of all major cancer types in this country. Through the establishment of this programme, Malaysians - especially those who may potentially be in the high-risk category such as current or former heavy smokers - will be able to detect the early presence of cancer through use of advanced technologies before it is too late.
Detection of early-stage disease is vital as treatment and prognosis is very much stage-dependent. According to Dr. Anand, the poor prognosis amongst lung cancer patients is largely attributed to the fact that most patients often present with advanced disease as often there are no warning signs or symptoms in the early stages. With a multi-disciplinary and multi-modality therapy approach, lung cancer detected at an early stage carries a very good prognosis as it is amenable to curative treatment and more cost-effective to treat.
This alliance signifies a unique multi-stakeholder collaboration between selected Qualitas primary care clinics and three specialist hospitals to provide patients with access to cutting-edge AI technology (Qure.ai) and LDCT imaging. With improved access, the AI X-ray interpretation tool which utilises deep learning algorithms to detect abnormalities in chest radiographs can improve sensitivity for the detection of lung nodules which is often the first sign of a possible lung cancer. Suspected cases will then be further investigated with a non-contrast LDCT scan, a well-proven screening method that reduces lung cancer-related mortality in high-risk individuals.
“AI chest x-rays will enhance diagnostic accuracy and expedite referral of suspected cases to a relevant lung specialist. With more swift investigation and intervention, better survival rates can be expected. Innovative medical advancements such as this deep-learning AI algorithm machine is a huge step forward and potential game-changer for the medical industry. We hope to create an impactful stage shift and detect more early lung cancer in the community,” Dr. Anand further explained.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Sanjeev Panchal said, “Through this second collaboration with the Lung Cancer Network Malaysia, Qualitas Medical Group and now with the tertiary hospitals, we hope to broaden patients access to early lung cancer diagnosis to reduce the mortality rates in Malaysia. The integration of innovative technologies such AI for lung cancer screening starting at the primary care level is evidence of how early screening can improve the timely referral of high-risk individuals to tertiary hospitals for further diagnosis using LDCT imaging and ultimately save lives. AstraZeneca’s ambition is to go beyond the pill to create a robust health ecosystem which promotes early diagnosis to reduce the disease burden and improve the accessibility to screening and treatments.”
About Lung Cancer Network Malaysia
Lung Cancer Network Malaysia (LCNM) is a not-for-profit, national level disease-centric non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated solely and exclusively to addressing all aspects and all stages of lung cancer here in Malaysia including preventative strategies, screening of high-risk individuals, diagnosis, staging and treatment with both a curative and palliative intent. Our multi-disciplinary network includes highly trained medical specialists (from the public and private healthcare sectors) and allied healthcare professionals including dietitians, pharmacists, physiotherapists and psychologists. LCNM seeks to improve outcomes through advocacy, education and awareness for both the Malaysian public and primary care (general practice) doctors. We aim to promote evidence-based scientific recommendations in an unbiased and easily understood holistic manner to help patients and their families, doctors and other caregivers better navigate their treatment journey.
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three therapy areas – Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on Twitter @AstraZeneca.
Qualitas Medical Group
Qualitas Health began with the humble vision of one man whose intention was to evolve a better standard of ‘Quality and Service’ in the primary care profession. It encapsulated a pursuit of integrity that has captured the hearts and minds of healthcare professionals and signalled the arrival of the company ‘Qualitas Health’. Being a doctor equipped Founder Dato’ Dr Noorul Ameen Mohamed Ishack in the pursuit of his dream, with unwavering passion, dedicating his vision into reality.
With more than a 20-year track record in primary healthcare, Qualitas Health has positioned itself strategically in Malaysia, Singapore and Australia, with experienced teams of doctors, managers and healthcare staff. Its comprehensive primary healthcare services offer a regional platform for improved healthcare for all.
Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC)
SJMC is the flagship hospital of Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care, a joint venture between Ramsay Health Care, Australia and Sime Darby, Malaysia with an impeccable reputation as one of Malaysia's most trusted private medical centres best known for its clinical outcomes. The hospital is an award-winning 442-bed multi-disciplinary tertiary hospital providing comprehensive and complex care in all specialities.
It is one of the few internationally accredited Joint Commission International (JCI) hospitals in Malaysia and Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) accredited. SJMC’s laboratory is also an internationally recognised MS ISO 15189 accredited since 2009. As a preferred tertiary referral hospital, SJMC receives both local patients across Malaysia and international patients across the Asia Pacific.