AI and robot pilot at Guy’s and St Thomas’ could help to spot lung cancer sooner

Patients facing weeks of worry over suspected lung cancer could get clearer answers sooner under a new NHS pilot led by Guy’s and St Thomas’. Combining artificial intelligence and robotic technology could help doctors reach hard-to-detect cancers earlier and with fewer invasive tests. 

Optellum’s AI software is used first to pinpoint higher-risk lung nodules (small lumps) through imaging tests. A separate robotic bronchoscopy procedure is carried out to take a tissue sample if needed, and to confirm or rule out cancer and decide on next steps in care. 

The Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system can reach nodules as small as 6mm — around the size of a grain of rice. It allows doctors to biopsy nodules with exceptional precision that are hidden deep in the lung and often too risky or difficult to access using existing methods.  

For many patients, weeks of repeat scans and procedures could be replaced with a single, 30-minute cancer biopsy, reducing prolonged uncertainty and avoiding more invasive surgery. 

David Lindsay, an IT contractor from Streatham discovered he had stage 1 lung cancer after being referred to Guy’s Hospital for a suspected deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) in his left leg in September 2025. Imaging tests revealed an incidental finding of a nodule in his lung.

David had a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy to take a tissue sample which confirmed early-stage lung cancer – a primary adenocarcinoma of the left lower lobe. This was followed by robotic-assisted, lung-sparing surgery, which is less invasive, to remove the cancer. 

David said: “The efficient staff scheduled me in for the bronchoscopy in the morning and I went home in the evening. It was quick and painless. I wasn’t worried because all the staff made me feel comfortable and assured. 

“They clearly explained the findings and after a comprehensive discussion, it was agreed that removal of the cancer was the best option in this instance. The operation was a success. 

“The deep vein thrombosis was a blessing in disguise because if it hadn’t occurred, I wouldn’t have had the scan, and various tests, and they wouldn’t have seen the cancer. Who knows when I would have had another check-up, and the next time, the cancer may have reached stage 4. 

“I’m very grateful and appreciate the work that the NHS and wonderful staff do every day.” 

Dr Anne Rigg, Medical Director for Cancer and Surgery at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This pilot brings together artificial intelligence and robotic technology as genuinely disruptive tools to simplify and shorten the lung cancer diagnostic pathway. By combining AI-enabled risk stratification with highly precise robotic biopsy, we are reducing delays and unnecessary steps to diagnosis. 

“Crucially, this work is being co-designed with patients and frontline clinical teams, ensuring that the pathway is not only faster, but safer, more equitable, and centred on the patient experience. By improving access to advanced diagnostics we can help reduce variation in care for all patients, regardless of where they are referred from. 

“Together, these changes have the potential to support earlier diagnosis and treatment for more patients, which is fundamental to improving long-term outcomes in lung cancer.” 

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Cancer, said: “Innovation like this is exactly how we can help diagnose more cancers faster, so treatment can be most effective, and why the NHS continues to lead the way in bringing new technology safely into frontline care.” 

Wes Streeting, Health and Social Care Secretary said: “When I was diagnosed with kidney cancer, the NHS saved my life using robotic technology. That experience showed me what's possible when brilliant clinicians have access to cutting-edge innovation – it saves lives. 

“Lung cancer is one of the biggest killers in the UK and this pilot will help to catch it earlier, replacing weeks of invasive testing with a single targeted procedure. For patients waiting anxiously for answers, this speed and precision can be life-changing.” 

This is the first NHS pilot to integrate Optellum’s AI risk stratification with Intuitive’s Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system. 

NHS England plan to expand the pilot to King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, allowing more patients referred with suspected lung cancer to benefit from the new approach.