Chinese Hospital Uses AI Tool “PANDA” for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer

A hospital in eastern China has begun using an artificial intelligence system known as “PANDA” to assist in the early detection of pancreatic cancer, Shia Waves Persian reported citing The Decoder.

The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University has deployed the AI tool, developed by researchers linked to Alibaba’s DAMO Academy, to analyze non-contrast CT scans. Unlike conventional screening methods that often rely on contrast agents, PANDA examines routine CT images to identify subtle abnormalities that may indicate pancreatic tumors at an early stage.

Reports indicate that since its clinical deployment in November 2024, the system has analyzed approximately 180,000 CT images. During this period, PANDA flagged several dozen suspicious cases for further medical review, including around two dozen confirmed instances of pancreatic cancer, some detected at an early stage when treatment options are more effective.

Doctors involved in the project say the technology does not replace radiologists but supports clinical decision-making by highlighting scans that require closer examination. Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late due to vague symptoms and the difficulty of detecting small tumors, contributing to high mortality rates.

The use of PANDA reflects a broader push within China’s healthcare system to integrate artificial intelligence into medical imaging and diagnostics, with the aim of improving early detection and patient outcomes.