Northwell Health’s artificial intelligence tool, iNav, is demonstrating measurable impact in one of oncology’s most challenging areas: pancreatic cancer detection. According to a study published in The Oncologist, the AI-enabled system has significantly shortened the time between imaging, diagnosis, and treatment initiation.
Pancreatic cancer remains difficult to detect early, with more than 80 percent of patients diagnosed at an advanced stage. Developed in 2023, iNav applies machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) to analyze more than 10,000 MRI and CT scan reports each week across Northwell’s 28-hospital network. The platform scans radiology reports for subtle markers associated with pancreatic cancer, flagging high-risk cases for expedited follow-up.
The study, led by Daniel King, MD, PhD, assistant professor at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and gastrointestinal medical oncologist, evaluated 71 patients and compared outcomes between traditional diagnostic pathways and iNav-assisted workflows. The results showed meaningful reductions in care timelines:
Time from imaging scan to biopsy decreased from 12 days to 6 days.
Time to oncologist appointment dropped from 27 days to 17 days.
Time to treatment initiation shortened from 56 days to 35 days.
“This preliminary research suggests iNav holds tremendous potential as a clinical tool that can, in real-time, identify pancreatic cancer much earlier than traditional methods, offering patients a greater likelihood of successful outcomes and facilitating more equitable, precision medicine,” said Dr. King. “Importantly, iNav fits within Northwell’s multidisciplinary approach to treating pancreatic cancer. From surgeons to medical oncologists, gastroenterologists and social workers – it is important to provide a holistic and expedited path to coordinated clinical care.”
Researchers also observed improved consistency in care delivery across racial and ethnic minority groups, as well as increased participation in research studies among patients supported by iNav.
“What we see with iNav is more than a diagnostic tool; it’s the integration of AI into clinical infrastructure that shows research-backed promise to improve a patient’s journey,” said Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes and Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research. “This represents the future of cancer care, dedicated to saving lives and closing health and equity gaps.”
Since its launch, iNav has received internal and national recognition, including Northwell’s 2023 Innovation Challenge award and inclusion in TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024.
Click here for the original news story.