Software May Improve Chest X-Ray Detection of Lung Cancer, Shows Potential for Pneumonia

Advanced yet simple-to-use software enhancements to traditional chest X-rays may significantly improve early detection of hard-to-find lung tumors and pneumonia, when there are more treatment options, according to three studies.

The studies’ findings were presented at the 97th scientific assembly and annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), November 27, through December 2, 2011, in Chicago (IL, USA). The software does not require additional tests or radiation exposure for the patient and requires no new equipment, space, or staff. It immediately enhances images captured using existing X-ray machines.

OnGuard 5.2 computer-aided detection (CAD) software, developed by Riverain Technologies (Miamisburg, OH, USA), uses pattern recognition and machine learning technologies to suppress the rib and clavicle bones that often obscure lung abnormalities, and circles areas that may be a lung tumor. This new version of the software, an update of OnGuard 5.1, has improved accuracy and received premarket approval (PMA) supplement approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2011. It can enhance any conventional chest X-ray captured by any system.

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