Bristol Myers Squibb And Microsoft Partner To Accelerate Early Lung Cancer Detection, AI-Driven Radiology Collaboration Targets Earlier Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) announced a strategic collaboration with Microsoft to advance the early detection of lung cancer by integrating artificial intelligence into radiology workflows across the United States. The partnership combines BMS’s oncology leadership with Microsoft’s AI-powered radiology and clinical workflow technologies to improve identification of lung cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.

“With Microsoft’s AI-powered radiology technology platform widely deployed within healthcare delivery organizations across the country and operating behind the scenes, clinicians can more easily identify patients who may be showing early signs of cancer, often before they are aware of any symptoms, and help guide them into the appropriate care pathway sooner,” said Peter Durlach, Corporate Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Microsoft Health and Life Sciences. “This is a clear win for both patients and providers and aligns with Microsoft’s goals to utilize technology to unlock insights, increase efficiencies, and improve patient care.”

As part of the collaboration, U.S. FDA-cleared radiology AI algorithms will be deployed through Microsoft’s Precision Imaging Network within Microsoft for Healthcare solutions. This platform, already used by more than 80% of U.S. hospitals, enables secure medical image sharing and access to third-party imaging AI. The AI tools can automatically analyze X-ray and CT scans to detect lung abnormalities, support radiologists’ decision-making, and reduce clinical workload.

“By combining Microsoft’s highly scalable radiology solutions with BMS’ deep expertise in oncology and drug delivery, we’ve envisioned a unique AI-enabled workflow that helps clinicians quickly and accurately identify patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and guide them to optimal care pathways and precision therapies,” said Dr. Alexandra Goncalves, VP and Head of Digital Health, Bristol Myers Squibb. “An integrated, AI-powered platform that streamlines patient flow can significantly improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes.”

The AI-enabled approach is designed to improve detection of subtle lung nodules that may otherwise be missed, helping identify patients earlier in the disease course and prioritize them for appropriate follow-up care. Given that lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., with significant numbers of patients lost to follow-up after incidental findings, the collaboration also incorporates workflow management tools to track patients through care pathways and promote continuity of care.

“This new Microsoft collaboration reflects our commitment to breaking down barriers and addressing healthcare challenges,” said Andrew Whitehead, VP and Head of Population Health, Bristol Myers Squibb. “At BMS, health equity is not a standalone initiative, it is embedded in everything we do. By deploying this solution and bringing advanced AI tools to the front lines, together we will help to address health disparities in lung cancer.”

A key focus of the initiative is improving access to early lung cancer detection in medically underserved communities, including rural hospitals and community clinics. By deploying advanced AI technologies in resource-limited settings, BMS and Microsoft aim to support earlier diagnosis, reduce disparities in screening and follow-up, and advance BMS’s broader commitment to health equity and sustainable improvements in patient outcomes.