Mumbai's KEM Hospital begins BMC's most expensive clinical trial with AI breast cancer screening

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Mumbai’s King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital has launched its largest and most expensive civic body-funded clinical trial yet, aimed at revolutionising breast cancer diagnosis through a new artificial intelligence-based thermal imaging device. Simultaneously, it has inaugurated a long-awaited 15-bed ward dedicated to breast ailments, a first-of-its-kind move for a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)-run hospital.

The dual initiative not only introduces a more accessible and non-invasive screening method but also enhances inpatient care for breast cancer patients, many of whom belong to economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

According to a TOI report, the AI-based screening machine, developed by Bengaluru-based startup Niramai Health Analytix, is part of a BMC startup incubation programme under which the hospital will screen 7,000 women over a period of 12 to 28 months. The machine, valued at Rs 50 lakh, has been provided free of cost as part of a clinical validation study and will remain with the hospital if trials prove successful.

Unlike traditional mammography, the new screening process does not involve physical contact, breast compression or exposure to radiation. The patient is seated alone in a private room, maintaining a fixed distance from the imaging device, with curtains for privacy.

The AI-based machine analyses over 400,000 tiny temperature points on the chest to identify unusual changes. A report is generated within 24 hours, producing a breast health score that helps classify the condition as malignant, benign or in need of further evaluation.

KEM’s associate professor of general surgery and principal investigator of the trial, Dr Shilpa Rao, was quoted as saying by TOI that the thermal imaging has existed since the 2000s but has had limitations, often flagging infections or inflammations, which could lead to false positives. She noted that unnecessary findings can cause psychological distress and financial burden for patients. The integration of artificial intelligence is aimed at improving the precision of this method.

Participants in the trial will undergo all three screening methods like mammography, ultrasound and the AI-based scan to allow doctors to compare their effectiveness. The machine includes five years of software use and is significantly more affordable than conventional mammography machines, which are typically more expensive.

Meanwhile, a long-pending demand to establish a dedicated ward for breast-related ailments at KEM has also been fulfilled. The new 15-bed unit is divided into two sections: one for breast cancer patients and the other for patients with non-cancerous conditions.

According to KEM Dean Dr Sangeeta Ravat, breast cancer patients often undergo intense chemotherapy and are immunocompromised, which requires them to be housed in a separate, controlled environment. She said the matter had faced delays in the past but has now been resolved, TOI reported.

Dr Rao, who has been advocating for a separate ward since 2010, now oversees the facility. Until now, patients with breast cancer were admitted to the general women’s ward, which saw heavy footfall and lacked the focused care needed for these cases.

As per Mid-Day, the breast services at KEM started as an OPD in 2010. Former KEM director Dr Sanjay Oak said that proposals for a dedicated ward had been submitted years ago but were delayed due to bureaucratic hurdles. He added that the number of breast cancer cases has continued to rise and the need for a specialised ward was evident even back then.

The hospital currently sees 18–20 chemotherapy patients per week, each requiring tailored treatment and care. Staff deployed in the ward are trained in handling chemotherapy regimens. The new ward setup is intended to protect these immunocompromised patients from exposure to infections.

Under the clinical trial, mammography services are being offered free of cost. If the AI-powered Thermalytix system performs as reliably or better than conventional mammography and sonography, the hospital may adopt it fully. Radiation and chemotherapy services at KEM are covered under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojna (MPJAY).

All screening and treatment services, including surgeries, are being provided free of charge, making it a significant step in offering affordable, advanced breast healthcare to women across socio-economic backgrounds.