AI-Powered Transformation in Lung Cancer Detection at Erasmus MC

Dr. Jacob Visser, Radiologist and CMIO at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, outlines how AI is helping address the urgent challenge of lung cancer. With no national screening program in the Netherlands, Erasmus MC has deployed qXR for incidental nodule detection on chest X-rays and qTrack for patient follow-up, integrating AI into radiology workflows and multidisciplinary care. The project demonstrates how AI enhances early detection, reduces missed cases, builds clinical trust, and strengthens hospital-wide collaboration in the fight against lung cancer. 

Early Detection of Lung Cancer 

AI enables clinicians to flag potential pulmonary nodules earlier on routine chest X-rays, supporting faster diagnosis and treatment before the disease progresses.  

Incidental Nodule Detection 

AI ensures that incidental lung nodules are picked up on X-rays across departments, improving chances for timely cancer detection.  

Impact on Clinical Workflow 

By pre-sorting normal X-rays and highlighting suspicious findings, AI reduces clinical workload, accelerates reporting, and maintains consistency in interpretation.  

With qTrack, flagged patients are monitored through their care pathway, ensuring no one with an incidental nodule is lost to follow-up; a critical gap in current practice.  

Trust-Building and Phased Adoption 

Erasmus MC introduced AI in stages, allowing radiologists to assess outputs, address concerns over false positives, and gradually build confidence in clinical use.  

Successful AI integration required radiologists, pulmonologists, IT, security, and hospital management working together, supported by project managers and vendor collaboration.  

Future Outlooks on AI in Healthcare 

Dr. Visser sees AI adoption growing steadily rather than disruptively, driven by aging populations, workforce shortages, and the need for scalable early detection tools in cancer care. 

Watch the complete interview to explore the clinical innovation, deployment roadmap, and AI’s pivotal role in transforming lung cancer pathways at Erasmus MC.