TL;DR

NHS England is trialling AI software to analyse lung scans alongside robotic biopsy tools at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital. The combination could detect cancerous nodules as small as 6mm and replace weeks of repeat scans with a single half-hour procedure.

A New Approach to Britain’s Biggest Cancer Killer

Lung cancer claims 33,100 lives annually across the UK—around 91 deaths per day—making it Britain’s deadliest cancer. The disease disproportionately affects poorer communities, accounting for an entire year of the nine-year life expectancy gap between England’s most and least deprived areas.

The new trial aims to change this through technology. AI software will analyse lung scans and flag tiny nodules—some just 6mm in size—that are most likely to be cancerous. A robotic camera will then guide miniature biopsy tools with greater precision than existing techniques, enabling doctors to reach and examine nodules hidden deep within patients’ lungs.

“This is a glimpse of the future of cancer detection,” said Prof Peter Johnson, NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer.

Faster Diagnosis, Better Outcomes

The technology could transform the patient experience. Where current practice often requires weeks of repeat scans and procedures, the new approach could compress diagnosis into a single half-hour biopsy session—reducing prolonged uncertainty for patients and their families.

The team has already performed approximately 300 robotic biopsies, leading to 215 patients receiving cancer treatment. If the trial proves successful, the technology could be deployed more widely as NHS England expands lung cancer screening to all smokers and ex-smokers by 2030.

Looking Forward

This trial represents a practical application of AI in healthcare that addresses a genuine clinical need. With the expanded screening programme expected to diagnose 50,000 lung cancers by 2035—including 23,000 at early stage—technologies that can handle increased volume whilst maintaining accuracy will be essential for the NHS.