AI System iSeg Enhances Lung Tumor Detection and Radiation Therapy Precision

AI System iSeg Enhances Lung Tumor Detection and Radiation Therapy Precision
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A new artificial intelligence tool named iSeg is transforming lung cancer treatment by automatically outlining tumors in 3D as they move with each breath, significantly improving radiation therapy planning, SciTech Daily reported. Developed by Northwestern Medicine scientists, iSeg was trained on CT scans from nine hospitals, surpassing previous AI models that relied on static images or smaller datasets.

The AI tool matches expert clinicians in accurately segmenting lung tumors and identifies cancerous areas that some doctors may overlook—regions linked to worse patient outcomes if untreated. This advancement promises to reduce delays, standardize care across hospitals, and minimize the risk of missing critical tumor zones during treatment.

Senior author Dr. Mohamed Abazeed of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine emphasized that iSeg brings cancer treatment closer to unprecedented precision. First author Sagnik Sarkar highlighted the tool’s potential to automate tumor contouring, enhancing safety and effectiveness in radiation therapy.

Currently undergoing clinical testing, iSeg is being evaluated in real-time comparisons with physicians. The research team plans to expand its application to other cancers, such as liver, brain, and prostate, and adapt it for MRI and PET imaging. Co-author Troy Teo anticipates clinical deployment within a few years, envisioning iSeg as a foundational technology to support consistent, high-quality cancer care, especially where specialist expertise is limited.