Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Radiograph Accelerated Detection and Identification of Cancer in the Lung

This study is investigating a new computer program called qXR, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse chest X-rays. The main goal is to see if qXR can help doctors find lung cancer earlier, potentially improving treatment and survival rates. Lung cancer is a significant health concern in the UK, and catching it early is crucial. The program works by quickly checking X-rays for signs of cancer or other issues, helping radiologists decide which patients need further tests like a CT scan sooner. Researchers will also look at how easy it is to use qXR and if it makes the healthcare system more efficient and cost-effective. They will involve patients and staff to understand their experiences.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Enrolment target

60,000

Start

04 Dec 2023

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2025

Lung Cancer

What is this study about?

Lung cancer is a serious illness, and sadly, it's the most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK. A really important way to improve a person's chances of recovery is to find the cancer as early as possible. The NHS wants to find 75% of cancers at an early stage. This study is exploring a new tool that could help with this goal.

The study is testing a computer program called qXR. Think of it like a smart assistant for doctors. When someone has a chest X-ray, qXR uses artificial intelligence (AI) to quickly look at the images. It can highlight areas that might show signs of lung cancer, point out other possible health issues, or confirm if everything looks normal. This helps radiologists – the doctors who specialise in X-rays – to quickly see which X-rays might need a closer look or quicker follow-up. This could mean that people who need further checks, like a CT scan, get them sooner.

The researchers are studying qXR in different ways across several hospitals in Glasgow. Firstly, they will see if using qXR helps doctors decide more quickly whether someone with a suspicious X-ray needs a CT scan. They will also look at how qXR affects the whole process of diagnosing and treating lung cancer, and if it makes the work of X-ray departments more efficient. The study will also involve looking at many past X-rays to see how well qXR performs and will assess if using qXR saves money for the NHS. Finally, they will talk to hospital staff and patients to understand their thoughts on using this new technology.

Key takeaways

This study uses AI to try and find lung cancer earlier from chest X-rays.
The goal is to improve lung cancer detection and survival rates in the UK.
The AI program helps doctors prioritise which X-rays need a faster review.
It also looks at making the NHS X-ray process more efficient and cost-effective.
Your routine medical care and doctor's decisions are unaffected by the AI tool.
Patient and staff experiences are important for understanding the technology.

Who may be eligible?

Generally, if you are an adult aged 18 or over and have a chest X-ray as part of your routine care, particularly from your GP or an outpatient clinic, your X-ray information might be included in parts of this study. This is usually done without directly asking your permission if your X-ray hasn't been reported on yet, as it's part of how they are testing the new system.

Separately, if you've had a chest X-ray within the last year or two, your anonymised X-ray might be used to help the researchers check how well the qXR program works. This helps them ensure the technology is accurate.

Also, if you are an NHS staff member involved in this type of care, or a patient who uses NHS services, you might be asked to take part in interviews or group discussions to share your experiences and opinions about new technologies like qXR.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Did you have a chest X-ray recently that hasn't been reported yet?
Was your chest X-ray ordered by your GP or an outpatient clinic?
Have you previously told your healthcare provider you don't want AI used in your care?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your chest X-ray is included in this study, you won't need to do anything extra. The X-rays are looked at as part of your normal hospital visit, and the qXR program works in the background. It doesn't involve any additional appointments or medical procedures for you.

If you are invited to take part in an interview or focus group (to share your thoughts on the technology), this would typically be done online via Zoom and would last about 45 minutes. This would be at a time convenient for you. There are no medications or follow-up visits specifically tied to your participation in the study itself, beyond your usual medical care.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of this study is that the qXR program could help doctors find lung cancer earlier, leading to faster diagnosis and better treatment outcomes for patients in the future. It might also make the healthcare system more efficient. For patients whose X-rays are included, there are no direct risks as the program analyses your X-ray after it's taken, and your doctor still makes all the decisions about your care. Your personal details are kept private. If you are asked to participate in interviews or focus groups, you are free to decline, and you can withdraw from these discussions at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (4)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Glasgow Royal Infirmary (North Sector)
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Queen Elizabeth University Hosp (South Sector)
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom
The Royal Alexandra Hospital (Clyde Sector)
Verified postcode
Paisley, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is AI and how does it help with X-rays?

AI, or artificial intelligence, is like a very smart computer program. In this study, it's taught to recognise patterns in chest X-rays that might suggest lung cancer or other issues, helping doctors to spot things more quickly.

Will my doctor still look at my X-ray?

Yes, absolutely. The qXR program is a tool to help radiologists, not replace them. Your doctor will still carefully review your X-ray and make all the medical decisions about your care.

Do I need to do anything special to be in this study?

No, if your X-ray is included, it's part of your normal care. You won't have extra appointments or tests because of the study. Your routine medical process remains the same.

Can I choose not to have AI look at my X-ray?

If you object to the use of AI in your routine clinical care, you can make this known to your healthcare provider. This study respects such requests, and your X-ray would be excluded.

Is my personal information safe?

Yes, your privacy is very important. The study uses your X-ray images, but your personal details are handled securely according to NHS guidelines and data protection laws.