Findings presented at ESMO 2025 reveal how AI analyzing routine chest X-rays helps detect early-stage lung cancer in patients who fall outside traditional screening guidelines
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An artificial intelligence (AI) tool analyzing everyday chest X-rays has shown remarkable promise in spotting early-stage lung cancer, even among people who have never smoked or are younger than traditional screening age. The findings, presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2025, point to how technology could help close long-standing gaps in lung cancer detection.
The study was jointly led by Qure.ai and AstraZeneca. It demonstrates the growing role of AI in expanding access to early detection, particularly in regions where CT-based screening programs are limited or unavailable.
The CREATE study, conducted across five countries – Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico and Turkey - evaluated Qure’s AI-driven Lung Nodule Malignancy Score (qXR-LNMS) that analyzes routine chest X-rays or high and low risk individuals and flags nodules at high risk of malignancy.
Out of more than 700 participants, qXR correctly identified 96% of confirmed lung cancer cases, including nearly 60% among people who had never smoked, and some under the age of 50. Remarkably, 46% of these cases were caught at early stages (I–III), when treatment outcomes are most favourable.
The CREATE study builds on the success of its first phase, which validated the model’s accuracy against CT findings. With this next stage, the longitudinal tracking of patients provides critical real-world evidence of how qXR can guide ongoing management and follow-up beyond the first point of detection.
“These results show how AI can transform the way we find and follow up on potential lung cancers,” said Sagar Sen, Head of Global Life Sciences and Strategic Alliances at Qure.ai. “By flagging high-risk nodules, qXR helps clinicians triage chest X-rays more effectively to detect disease incidentally and earlier. This ensures timely follow-up. It’s an approach that brings precision to everyday practice.”
About Qure.ai
Qure.ai is a global health tech company that innovates AI-enabled healthcare solutions to drive early clinical diagnosis and boost seamless patient care coordination. Qure's solutions power the efficient identification and management of Tuberculosis (TB), Lung Cancer and Neurocritical findings to support clinicians and propel developments in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. The company empowers healthcare workers or health systems by helping to identify conditions fast, prioritize treatment planning and ultimately improve quality of patient life.
Qure.ai has deployments in over 100 countries, with regional offices in New York, London, Dubai and Mumbai. It is a TIME100 Most Influential Company 2025.
For media queries:
Georgina Wright- georgina.wright@qure.ai
