Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has announced a strategic collaboration with Microsoft to advance early detection of lung cancer through AI-driven radiology solutions. The partnership aims to improve patient outcomes by leveraging Microsoft’s Precision Imaging Network, a platform within Microsoft for Healthcare, to deploy U.S. FDA-cleared AI algorithms for analyzing X-ray and CT scans. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., with about 227,000 new cases and 125,000 deaths annually. Early detection is critical, yet many patients—especially those in medically underserved communities—face barriers to timely screening and follow-up. More than half of patients with incidental lung nodules are lost to follow-up, delaying diagnosis and treatment. The new initiative will use AI tools to detect hard-to-identify lung nodules and support radiologists in their workflow, reducing clinical burden and enabling earlier intervention. The AI-powered system will help triage patients for appropriate care, guiding them through follow-up pathways and improving continuity of care. Dr. Alexandra Goncalves, VP and Head of Digital Health at BMS, emphasized the importance of integrating AI into clinical workflows. She said the collaboration combines Microsoft’s scalable imaging technology with BMS’s expertise in oncology to identify patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) earlier and connect them to precision therapies more efficiently. A key focus of the partnership is expanding equitable access to early detection, particularly in rural and community healthcare settings. By deploying AI tools in resource-limited hospitals and clinics, the initiative seeks to reduce disparities in lung cancer outcomes. Andrew Whitehead, VP and Head of Population Health at BMS, highlighted that health equity is central to the company’s mission. “At BMS, health equity is not a separate goal—it’s embedded in our approach to innovation,” he said. “This collaboration brings advanced AI to the front lines of care, helping to close gaps in access and outcomes.” Peter Durlach, Corporate Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Microsoft Health and Life Sciences, noted that Microsoft’s AI radiology platform is already used by over 80% of U.S. hospitals. “These tools help clinicians spot early signs of cancer before symptoms appear, enabling faster, more accurate diagnoses and better patient outcomes,” he said. The collaboration reflects a broader effort by both companies to harness AI for scalable, sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery, with a focus on early detection, operational efficiency, and health equity.