AutoRECIST project supported by Medical Research Agency
Two weeks ago, we received great news. The Medical Research Agency in Poland appreciated our project prepared together with the National Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, and decided to support it.
The project entitled “AutoRECIST – software to assist a radiologist in assessing the effectiveness of oncological treatment for female patients with breast cancer tumours metastatic to the lungs, liver, brain and lymph nodes in the RECIST system” was positively evaluated by experts. It received the 4th highest number of points out of 7 projects qualified for support out of 23 submitted to the competition.
Project’s goal
The result of AutoRECIST project will be an innovative medical software device designed to assist radiologists in assessing the effectiveness of oncological treatment of female patients with metastatic breast cancer tumours to the lungs, liver, brain and lymph nodes in the RECIST system. It will achieve its performance by using artificial intelligence algorithms to detect, segment and analyze tumours on CT and MRI scans. As a result, the tumours will then be automatically measured according to the RECIST methodology. In addition, volumetric measurements of each tumour will be taken. One of the key functionalities of the device under development will be to automatically track tumours on subsequent scans of the same patient, so information on changes over time will be provided as well. Such medical device is currently unavailable on the Polish and European market
The AutoRECIST Project: Scope of work
Firstly, the research and development work carried out within the project will focus on selecting appropriate scans from the resources of the Institute of Oncology in Gliwice. Secondly, on preparation of manual tumour outlines on scans. Thirdly, there will be creation and verification of artificial intelligence algorithms for tumour detection, segmentation and analysis. Additionally, there will be preparation of a user interface enabling work with the results. Finally, on validation of the algorithms and interface in real conditions (clinical environment).
Benefits for radiologists and patients
The implementation of the AutoRECIST project and the introduction of the Medical Device into clinical practice will positively influence the work of radiologists. It will enhance the quality of their evaluation of the effectiveness of oncological treatment in the RECIST system by objectivizing it and significantly accelerating its use.
Timeline
Scheduling the project’s completion for March 2026 presents quite a challenge. The scope of work is impressive. In a year, we have to prepare over 1200 CT and MRI examinations and create 4 AI models. We will do all this in accordance with the standards for medical devices, as we have scheduled CE certification of the results of the work for 2026. RnD will prepare several publications and conference presentations on the basis of the work carried out.