Johnson & Johnson MedTech has partnered with artificial intelligence leader Qure.ai to enhance early detection of lung cancer across India, leveraging AI technology to identify the disease at its most treatable stages.
The collaboration, announced on May 9, establishes Project BreatheEZ, an initiative designed to create AI-led Incidental Pulmonary Nodule (IPN) Detection clinics throughout the country's leading hospitals. The first such clinic has already launched at Thangam Cancer Centre in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu.
AI-Powered Detection Network
Under the partnership, Qure.ai's artificial intelligence technology will be deployed across 10 hub medical centers in India, supported by an additional 20 spoke sites. These clinics will serve as integrated screening hubs that optimize early detection, triaging, and follow-up care for lung cancer patients.
The AI system works by analyzing X-rays and CT scans to flag potentially malignant lung nodules that might otherwise be missed through conventional screening methods. This approach introduces structured IPN clinics with a proactive focus on incidental screening for early-stage lung cancer.
"Lung cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in both men and women," said Anuj Virmani, Managing Director, India, Johnson & Johnson MedTech. "In India, where access to advanced healthcare facilities is often limited, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, patients face significant challenges in receiving timely and effective diagnosis, which further delays access to treatment."
Addressing India's Growing Cancer Burden
The initiative comes at a critical time for India's healthcare system. According to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), one in nine Indians is likely to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. The projected cancer burden is expected to rise from 26.7 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) in 2021 to 29.8 million by 2025.
Traditional diagnostic methods often fail to detect lung cancer at early stages when treatment is most effective. By integrating AI technology into standard radiological procedures, the partnership aims to identify suspicious nodules that human reviewers might miss, potentially saving lives through earlier intervention.
Transforming Lung Cancer Care
Project BreatheEZ represents a significant advancement in lung cancer detection methodology in India. The structured approach to incidental pulmonary nodule detection could help address the significant gaps in cancer care across the country, particularly in regions with limited access to specialized healthcare services.
"Our collaboration with Qure.ai is a testament to our commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative solutions," Virmani added. "It continues to drive impactful collaborations and integrating our solutions in lung cancer."
For Johnson & Johnson MedTech, this initiative aligns with the company's century-long commitment to advancing surgical care through innovative technologies. The company has previously developed solutions across wound closure, surgical stapling, robotics, and digital health platforms.
The partnership exemplifies how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to address critical healthcare challenges in developing markets, potentially creating a model for AI-assisted cancer screening that could be replicated in other regions facing similar healthcare access issues.
