Alibaba's research arm, DAMO Academy, has developed an AI-powered cancer detection tool that has garnered significant recognition. The tool, dubbed PANDA, detects early signs of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a cancer responsible for nearly half a million deaths globally each year.
PANDA is 34.1% more sensitive than radiologists in spotting abnormalities in screening scans, and it uses non-contrast CT scans, a more efficient and lower-radiation form of medical imaging. Since its launch in 2023, PANDA's use has expanded to detect various cancers, including tumors of the liver, esophagus, and colon.
The cloud-based solution empowers patients with limited access to cancer screening due to scarcity or high costs of expert medical care. Alibaba plans to leverage technology and partnerships with hospitals to make healthcare services more accessible, comprehensive, accurate, cost-effective, and efficient.
The tool has been featured on Fortune's 2024 Change the World List, ranking Alibaba 8th out of 52 companies making a substantial social or environmental impact worldwide. This recognition highlights the potential of AI-powered solutions to transform healthcare and improve patient outcomes.
