Bangkok, 23 April 2025 – According to World Health Organization statistics, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with 2.5 million new cases and approximately 1.8 million deaths annually[1]. In Thailand, lung cancer is the second leading cause of death, accounting for 17,222 new cases each year, averaging 40 deaths per day.
In March 2025, at the European Lung Cancer Congress (ELCC) 2025 in Paris, AstraZeneca presented new data from the CREATE study. The research highlights the use of the qXR-LNMS tool, developed by Qure.ai, to demonstrate the effectiveness of AI-driven lung cancer screening through chest X-ray images. By leveraging artificial intelligence, this innovative tool enhances the screening process and broadens public access to advanced and convenient diagnostic solutions.
The CREATE study evaluated lung cancer screening across five countries: Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and Turkey, involving 700 participants. The study revealed a positive predictive value (PPV) of 54.1%, achieving the pre-defined threshold of success of 20%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 93.5%, achieving the pre-defined threshold of 70%. The results remained consistent across diverse patient groups, including people who have never smoked and individuals under 55 years old, who are typically not eligible to participate in traditional lung cancer screening programs.
Additionally, the CREATE Budget Impact Model, using Vietnam as a case study, indicated that AI-integrated CXR could be used as a preliminary step before low-dose CT scans (LDCT) in resource-limited settings, to identify individuals at the highest risk, thereby optimising the reduction of treatment costs.
[1] ข้อมูลจากสำนักงานกองทุนสนับสนุนการสร้างเสริมสุขภาพ (สสส.)
Dr. Wasana Prasirtsuebsai, Medical Director at AstraZeneca Thailand and Frontier Markets, stated, “Since 2022, AstraZeneca has partnered with Qure.ai under the Lung Ambition Alliance, deploying qXR-LNMS AI technology for early lung cancer detection. This project aims to screen over 1 million individuals by 2026. To date, we have screened over 500,000 people, achieving a lung cancer detection rate of 0.1%. The CREATE study highlights the widespread, cost-effective application of AI to enhance healthcare accessibility efficiently.”
Dr. Passakorn Wanchaijiraboon, Director of AI and Medical Innovation, Prapokklao Hospital, shared, “While low-dose CT scans are the standard for lung cancer screening, Thailand faces cost and access limitations. AI-enhanced chest X-rays increase screening accessibility in resource-constrained settings. However, successful AI implementation requires user understanding, research, and adaptation to local contexts.”
Regular health checks and screenings are vital for reducing disease risks and enhancing the quality of life for the Thai population. Innovations that are easily accessible and highly effective are essential for rapid and accurate disease diagnosis, improving the likelihood of effective treatment for conditions such as lung cancer.
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About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (Securities abbreviation, AZN on LSE/STO/Nasdaq stock exchanges) is a leading global biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering, developing, and distributing medicines for medicinal purposes, particularly the group of drugs among cancer, heart disease, kidney, metabolic system, and respiratory disease. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and has millions of patients worldwide benefiting from its innovative medicines. For more information, please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the company on facebook.com/AstraZeneca.TH
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