Alibaba's AI detects deadly cancers before symptoms appear
What's the story
In a groundbreaking development, an artificial intelligence (AI) system has been used in eastern China to detect pancreatic cancer before symptoms appear. The system, called PANDA (short for pancreatic cancer detection with artificial intelligence), is part of a larger effort by Chinese tech companies and hospitals to use AI for complex medical challenges like early detection of hard-to-diagnose cancers.
Technology application
AI system's role in early cancer detection
The PANDA system was developed by researchers associated with Chinese tech giant Alibaba. It was trained to detect pancreatic cancer using non-contrast CT scans, which are safer but provide less detailed images than their high-radiation counterparts. The tool was first used at the Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University as part of a clinical trial in November 2024.
Trial results
PANDA's impact on cancer diagnosis
Since its launch, the PANDA system has analyzed over 180,000 abdominal and chest CT scans. It has helped identify nearly two dozen cases of pancreatic cancer, with 14 detected at an early stage. The tool identified 20 cases of ductal adenocarcinoma—the most common and deadliest type of pancreatic cancer. Qiu Sijun, 57, who went for a routine diabetes checkup, was diagnosed with a rare neuroendocrine tumour that was successfully removed in time thanks to AI tool's early detection.
Life-saving technology
AI's role in saving lives
Dr. Zhu Kelei, who successfully removed the tumor from Qiu, emphasized the tool's life-saving potential. He said all patients had come to the hospital for symptoms like bloating or nausea and none had initially consulted a pancreatic specialist. Several scans hadn't raised concern until flagged by the AI system, which Dr. Zhu believes "100% saved their lives."