AI radiology platform launched to boost NHS cancer research

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust has launched the UK's first large-scale, AI-powered radiology platform for cancer research, created in partnership with IT provider NTT DATA and technology partner CARPL.ai.

The new platform is designed to test and develop AI algorithms with the intention of improving the diagnosis and treatment of cancers such as sarcoma, lung, breast, brain, and prostate. The aim is to increase the speed and accuracy of imaging biomarker identification, ultimately resulting in faster response times, more accurate diagnoses, and improved targeting of treatments for patients.

The project is funded by a three-year grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The platform will initially be used for research at both The Royal Marsden and the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), including collaborations with other research teams. It represents a significant step forward in the UK's use of artificial intelligence for cancer research and clinical care within the National Health Service (NHS).

The service operates on an MLOps clinical imaging platform that has been built and run by NTT DATA. As part of the development, NTT DATA created a customised AI computing solution using high-performance Dell servers and the latest graphical processing unit (GPU) resources, orchestrated via the CARPL.ai platform. This platform manages and tests AI algorithms and includes a large library of radiology AI models.

In addition to providing the technical infrastructure, NTT DATA is offering specialist consulting for imaging AI, supporting researchers at The Royal Marsden in using and evaluating new AI tools within clinical environments. This involves both in-house and commercial AI algorithms with a view to maximising clinical insight and benefit.

Speaking about the project, Professor Dow-Mu Koh, Professor in Functional Cancer Imaging and Consultant Radiologist in Functional Imaging at The Royal Marsden, stated: "AI has immense potential to support clinicians in diagnosing and treating cancer earlier and more precisely. By working with NTT DATA and CARPL.ai, we've created a scalable research environment that allows us to explore the full potential of AI safely and in a way that could one day transform cancer diagnosis and treatment across the NHS."

Karin Smyth, Minister of State for Health, said: "Our 10 Year Health Plan will modernise the NHS, replacing outdated systems with cutting-edge digital solutions. While this trial is in its early stages, it represents exactly the kind of collaboration between the NHS, industry and academia that will help build a health service fit for the future. Early detection saves lives, and innovations like AI will transform how cancer is diagnosed and treated – helping patients receive faster and more effective care."

Professor Mike Lewis, NIHR Scientific Director for Innovation, said: "Cancer is one of the biggest killers in the UK. That must change. This three-year grant will help researchers push the boundaries of AI-driven technology for cancer detection and diagnosis. This AI-powered service represents the cutting edge of cancer research and it is going to transform treatment, better support NHS staff and ultimately change patients' lives. It is another great example of how NIHR-funded and supported research will ensure the best care is there when patients need it."

Tom Winstanley, Chief Technology Officer at NTT DATA UK & Ireland, commented: "This service is a great example of responsible innovation in practice, showing the ethical, secure use of AI in healthcare. We are very proud to support The Royal Marsden in pushing the boundaries of cancer research."

Once the platform is operational, research teams at The Royal Marsden will be able to assess a variety of AI models across different forms of cancer. These studies are expected to deliver essential insights into how AI can aid clinical decision-making and influence future diagnostic and treatment strategies.

The centralised interface and monitoring tools provided by CARPL.ai will allow research teams to track AI model performance over time. This setup enables faster feedback between the development and application of new algorithms, which is considered crucial for successful clinical adoption.

NTT DATA will continue its collaboration with The Royal Marsden as the next phase of research begins, with the intention of supporting ongoing efforts to enhance cancer care for NHS patients.