Bristol Myers Squibb and Microsoft partner to deploy AI-powered radiology workflows aimed at earlier lung cancer detection and more equitable care.
Bristol Myers Squibb said it has entered into a collaboration with Microsoft to accelerate the early detection of lung cancer using AI-driven radiology workflows, with a focus on expanding access to care and improving health equity.
Under the agreement, U.S. FDA-cleared radiology AI algorithms will be deployed through Microsoft’s Precision Imaging Network, part of its healthcare radiology solutions. The network, used by more than 80 percent of U.S. hospitals, enables the secure sharing of medical imaging and access to third-party AI tools that can automatically analyze X-rays and CT scans to help identify lung disease.
The AI capabilities are designed to support radiologists by surfacing hard-to-detect lung nodules, potentially identifying patients at earlier stages of lung cancer, and helping triage them into appropriate care pathways—reducing clinical workload while improving diagnostic accuracy.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, with roughly 125,000 deaths and 227,000 new cases reported each year. Mortality rates are higher in medically underserved populations, who are also less likely to receive guideline-recommended screening. More than half of patients with incidental lung findings are lost to follow-up, a gap the collaboration aims to address through AI-enabled workflow management tools that track patients through care pathways and prompt regular follow-up.
Also Read: Part 2: The High-Stakes Reality of AI’s Second Act
“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 and guide them to optimal care pathways,” said Alexandra Goncalves, vice president and head of digital health at Bristol Myers Squibb.
A central goal of the collaboration is to expand early detection in medically underserved communities, including rural hospitals and community clinics. By deploying advanced AI tools in resource-limited settings, the companies aim to promote earlier diagnosis, improve follow-up, and enable more equitable access to care.
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to breaking down barriers and addressing healthcare challenges,” said Andrew Whitehead, vice president and head of population health at Bristol Myers Squibb. “Health equity is embedded in everything we do, and this initiative helps bring advanced tools to the front lines of care.”
Also Read: Why AI Hallucinates When Identity Data Goes Stale
Peter Durlach, corporate vice president and chief strategy officer for Microsoft Health and Life Sciences, said the widespread deployment of Microsoft’s AI-powered radiology platform allows clinicians to identify patients showing early signs of cancer—often before symptoms appear—and guide them into care sooner.
Bristol Myers Squibb said the initiative aligns with its broader commitment to health equity and its strategy of developing scalable, sustainable digital health solutions that improve outcomes for patients with serious diseases.
