The Royal Marsden NHS Trust Teams Up With NTT DATA and CARPL.ai to Advance AI in Cancer Imaging Research

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, a world-renowned cancer center, has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with NTT DATA and CARPL.ai to develop an advanced AI-powered radiology analysis service. This three-year project, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), aims to revolutionize cancer research and improve patient outcomes by enhancing the accuracy and speed of identifying imaging biomarkers. The collaboration involves NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and technology services, and CARPL.ai, an enterprise imaging AI and MLOps platform. Together, they have created a robust AI computing solution using high-performance Dell servers and cutting-edge GPU processing, managed through the CARPL.ai platform. This platform supports the testing and management of various AI algorithms, providing a scalable and secure environment for researchers to explore AI's potential in medical imaging. The AI service will primarily aid research efforts at The Royal Marsden and the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), focusing on sarcoma, lung, breast, brain, and prostate cancers. By facilitating faster response times and more precise diagnoses, the initiative hopes to contribute to the development of better-targeted treatments. This project aligns with the broader goals of the UK's 10-Year Health Plan, which aims to modernize the NHS by incorporating digital solutions. Professor Dow-Mu Koh, a functional cancer imaging expert at The Royal Marsden, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. "AI has immense potential to support clinicians in diagnosing and treating cancer earlier and more precisely," he stated. "This scalable research environment will allow us to safely and thoroughly explore how AI can change cancer diagnosis and treatment, ultimately benefiting patients across the NHS." Minister of State for Health, Karin Smyth, praised the collaboration as a prime example of the government's commitment to integrating advanced technologies into healthcare. "Innovations like AI will transform how cancer is diagnosed and treated, helping patients receive faster and more effective care. This trial showcases the essential partnership between the NHS, industry, and academia in building a future-ready health service." Professor Mike Lewis, NIHR's Scientific Director for Innovation, echoed the sentiment. "Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the UK, and we must innovate to change that. This grant will empower researchers to push the boundaries of AI-driven technology, potentially transforming cancer care and supporting NHS staff in delivering better outcomes." NTT DATA's Chief Technology Officer, Tom Winstanley, underscored the importance of ethical and secure AI usage in healthcare. "This service exemplifies responsible innovation, demonstrating how AI can be leveraged responsibly and securely to advance cancer research. We are honored to support The Royal Marsden in this pioneering effort." Once operational, the service will enable research teams at The Royal Marsden to evaluate multiple AI models across different cancer types, generating valuable insights into clinical decision-making. CARPL.ai's centralized interface and monitoring tools will facilitate continuous tracking of model performance, allowing for rapid iterations and improvements. NTT DATA will continue to provide specialized AI consulting services to ensure the effective integration and utilization of these models in real-world clinical settings. The impact of this initiative extends beyond immediate research gains. By improving the accuracy and efficiency of cancer diagnosis, it can pave the way for enhanced treatment strategies, reduce diagnostic time, and ultimately save lives. The involvement of leading institutions and the support of significant funding highlight the project's substantial promise in advancing cancer care within the NHS and globally. Industry insiders view this partnership as a significant step forward in the application of AI in healthcare. They note that the combination of The Royal Marsden's expertise in cancer research, NTT DATA's technological prowess, and CARPL.ai's capabilities in AI and MLOps creates a powerful synergy. The project is seen as a model for future collaborations, showcasing how public-private partnerships can drive meaningful advancements in medical technology. Company Profiles: - NTT DATA: A $30+ billion global innovator in business and technology services, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100. NTT DATA specializes in consulting, AI, and industry solutions, making substantial R&D investments to support digital transformation. - The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust: Founded in 1851, The Royal Marsden is the world's first hospital dedicated to cancer and operates as a leading specialist cancer center. It is designated as the UK's only NIHR Biomedical Research Centre solely focused on cancer, and collaborates closely with the ICR to pioneer new treatments and technologies.