A pilot program in the NHS combines artificial intelligence with robotic bronchoscopy to speed up and improve lung cancer diagnosis by using AI to flag small nodules in scans before guiding robotic biopsy.

The initiative will expand to Guy's and St Thomas', with planned rollout to King’s College Hospital and the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust to evaluate effects on patient outcomes and service efficiency, with potential national adoption if successful.

Optellum’s AI risk stratification works in tandem with Intuitive’s Ion robotic bronchoscopy system, forming an end-to-end diagnostic pathway tested at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

Clinicians note the program builds on extensive experience with robotic biopsies and treatment, aiming to diagnose up to 50,000 cancers by 2035, including many cancers detected at an early stage.

Support from the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation underscores earlier detection and better outcomes for people affected by lung cancer.

Patients and advocates, including NHS officials, emphasize faster, more comfortable procedures and the potential for significantly improved outcomes.

National cancer leaders, including NHS England’s cancer clinical director and the Health Secretary, describe the work as forward-looking for faster and more accurate cancer diagnosis.

Officials stress the pilot’s goals to shorten diagnostic timelines, cut unnecessary steps, and improve safety and equity in access to advanced diagnostics.

Proponents say the approach aligns with the NHS National Cancer Plan by pushing from late diagnosis to early intervention and integrating digital tools with care.

Personal testimonies, such as David Lindsay’s, illustrate quick, minimally invasive procedures and potential life-changing outcomes from early detection.

A beneficiary case describes rapid, painless bronchoscopy and successful cancer removal, illustrating tangible patient benefits from the pilot.

The NHS is expanding its lung cancer screening program to invite all eligible individuals for checks within five years, aiming to reduce regional inequalities in cancer care access.