Advancing Breast Cancer Detection Through AI Innovation

Early detection is pivotal in improving breast cancer outcomes.
In a significant interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Ruqqayia Adil of NUST School of Health Sciences (NSHS) and Dr. Ishrat Jabeen of NUST School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences (SINES) have developed an AI-based system to detect and localize breast tumours on whole-body CT scans.
Evaluated using radiologist-annotated data from three Pakistani hospitals, this innovation explores the potential of opportunistic breast tumour detection during routine oncological imaging, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
A formal Intellectual property registration application has been filed, marking a significant milestone in translating collaborative research into technological innovation. The next phase will focus on the formal deployment and multi-centre clinical validation of the application across hospitals in Pakistan, assessing its diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability in diverse patient populations and clinical settings.
The vision is not to replace radiologists, but to empower them. This technology aims to support the identification of suspicious lesions and making robust diagnostic pathways while preserving the essential role of expert clinical judgment.
This achievement exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing medical innovation for Pakistan and beyond.