Originally published on Health Medical Network / Reported by Wu Yi-Wen and Pan Yu-Chiao

According to data from the Health Promotion Administration (HPA) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, lung cancer has long been the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Taiwan. Currently, the HPA has conditionally approved subsidies for lung cancer screening for certain individuals, using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) to detect lung cancer lesions at an early stage.

However, the surge in screening demand across hospitals has led to a sharp increase in LDCT examinations, placing a heavy burden on physicians and radiologists. To address this, a startup AI team under Taipei Medical University has developed an “Artificial Intelligence Platform,” allowing patients to undergo a single LDCT scan to analyze screening results for two diseases. This innovation significantly reduces the time required for physicians to interpret results and generate reports.

AI-Assisted Image Analysis: Simultaneous Detection of Lung Cancer and Coronary Artery Calcification

At this year’s (2023) Bio Asia Biotechnology Exhibition, the AI startup team from Taipei Medical University showcased the “AI Multimodal Imaging Health Platform” at their booth. This comprehensive AI-assisted radiology imaging screening system aims to help specialists provide more efficient diagnosis and treatment.

CEO Chang Yao-Chi stated that after undergoing a single low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan, patients can use this system’s algorithm not only for lung cancer screening but also to obtain predictions of coronary artery calcification. With an accuracy rate of up to 90%, this technology enhances cost-effectiveness while also helping patients maintain better health.

AI Reduces Interpretation and Report Generation Time, Enhancing Health Benefits and Cost-Effectiveness

A single LDCT scan can simultaneously screen for both lung and heart conditions, reducing the number of radiation exposures for patients. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) further minimizes radiation exposure, making it an ideal screening tool.

Additionally, the AI startup team highlighted that this platform allows physicians to freely modify detailed descriptions of nodules. Once verified, the system automatically generates reports in the standard format required by the Health Promotion Administration. With a single click, physicians can complete the report, reducing the total processing time from 15 minutes to just 2 minutes—significantly shortening the time required for interpretation and report generation.

CEO Chang Yao-Chi pointed out that while the government spends NT$22 billion on treatment, less than NT$2 billion is allocated to screening. However, screening can identify at least 500 lung cancer patients annually. Now, with a single LDCT scan providing both cardiovascular calcification and lung cancer screening results, early detection can help reduce unnecessary treatments and ease the burden on the healthcare system, making it a more cost-effective approach.

With Taiwan’s aging population rapidly increasing and healthcare costs approaching a critical point, a combined lung and heart screening solution not only reduces physicians’ workload but also significantly enhances medical capacity. Moving forward, the team will continue refining their AI models to better support clinical applications.