A Collaboration to Tackle the World’s Deadliest Cancer
In a significant development for lung cancer detection, AI-based medical device company Imidex and precision genomics leader Orbit Genomics have announced a strategic partnership focused on improving early detection of lung cancer. The collaboration combines Imidex’s cutting-edge AI imaging technology with Orbit Genomics’ expertise in precision DNA sequencing, with the goal of identifying at-risk patients earlier and directing them toward targeted care.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and early detection is critical to improving survival rates. The partnership between these two companies could be transformative in reaching broader populations and providing more accurate diagnoses, ultimately saving lives.
Addressing Critical Gaps in Lung Cancer Screening
Current lung cancer screening methods, such as low-dose CT scans, are highly effective but severely underutilized, with less than 6% of eligible high-risk patients in the United States undergoing screening. Imidex’s FDA 510(k) cleared VisiRad XR solution offers a promising alternative by using chest x-rays (CXR) to detect lung nodules, which are often the first signs of lung cancer. With an impressive 83% sensitivity for nodules as small as 6mm, the AI-driven device positions itself as a vital tool in identifying critical findings that are frequently overlooked.
“By leveraging chest x-rays, we have the ability to opportunistically identify millions more patients with pulmonary nodules who are unwilling or not qualified to get a low-dose CT scan,” – Wes Bolsen, CEO of Imidex.
“This positions us as the front-end solution to identify high-risk populations for further evaluation at the lowest cost.”
Orbit Genomics brings its own powerful capabilities to the table with OrbiSeq-L, a blood test designed to provide detailed insights into patients with indeterminate lung nodules identified by either CT or x-ray. By analyzing repetitive DNA regions linked to lung cancer, Orbit Genomics can deliver highly specific diagnostic information that guides more effective treatment plans.
“This is a natural formation of a strategic relationship between two companies focused on the same goal: saving lives lost to cancer,” said Dede Willis, President & CEO of Orbit Genomics.
“Imidex’s technology is the top of the lung cancer identification funnel, utilizing chest x-rays rather than CT scans to detect potential cancer patients who might otherwise go undiagnosed. Orbit Genomics can then immediately test those identified lung nodule patients with OrbiSeq-L, providing highly specific insights from a simple blood sample into their condition and directing them to the most effective forms of care.”
Beyond Lung Cancer: A Step Forward in Personalized Medicine
While this collaboration primarily addresses lung cancer detection, the potential applications extend well beyond this single disease. Orbit Genomics’ OrbiSeq platform can analyze repetitive DNA sequences to assess risks for a variety of conditions, including heart disease and neurological disorders. With the ability to evaluate genomic stability and predict drug efficacy, the technology aligns perfectly with the growing emphasis on personalized medicine. The combination of Imidex’s AI imaging and Orbit Genomics’ precision sequencing could transform early disease detection across multiple fields, offering a more comprehensive approach to patient care.
A Promising Collaboration…
The collaboration between Imidex and Orbit Genomics aims to address the gaps in lung cancer screening by combining accessible AI-driven chest x-ray detection with precise genomic analysis. This partnership could offer a practical solution for identifying patients who might otherwise go undiagnosed, potentially leading to earlier interventions and improved survival rates. As these technologies are integrated, how effective do you think this approach will be in reducing lung cancer mortality? Share your thoughts below.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
