AI technology, artificial intelligence, robotics—these terms, once considered highly “cutting-edge”, have now become increasingly common in our daily lives, widely recognized and accepted by the public. How will the application of these new technologies shape the future? On October 12, 2024, the Inaugural China Respiratory Health Conference, themed “Safeguarding Health, Creating a Shared Future” opened grandly in Hengqin, Guangdong. Numerous scholars and experts gathered together to discuss the future of respiratory health. During the conference, Xinhua Daily Health interviewed Professor He Jianxing, the Executive Chairman of the conference and Director of the National Center for Respiratory Medicine. He spoke in-depth about the advantages of surgical robots and artificial intelligence in the early treatment of lung cancer, as well as the future development directions for these technologies. He also highlighted the significant importance and broad prospects of the integration of medicine and engineering.

Surgical Robots: The “Precision Tool” Enhancing Early Lung Cancer Treatment

With the continuous advancement of new technologies, surgical robots are poised to become an essential aid in clinical medicine.Professor Jianxing He emphasized the critical role of surgical robots in the early treatment of lung cancer. He pointed out that while ablation techniques serve as an effective alternative for patients unsuitable for surgery, surgery remains the most effective treatment for early-stage lung cancer. Additionally, surgical robots offer distinct advantages over traditional surgery. They significantly improve the precision of a surgeon's actions, keeping errors within 5 millimeters, and reduce the need for multiple punctures during the procedure. This technical advantage greatly lowers the incidence of surgical complications, which is especially crucial in lung surgeries.

Professor He explained that the performance of surgical robots in precise puncturing is already impressive. When doctors perform punctures manually, they often require several attempts to get it right, but robots can achieve accurate puncturing on the first try in 99% of cases. This consistency greatly reduces trauma for patients. Furthermore, robots can avoid blood vessels as per pre-set plans, minimizing the risk of intraoperative bleeding and thereby improving the safety and success rates of surgeries. As technology advances, surgical robots will continue to evolve, enabling more efficient human-machine collaboration. The future goal is to make surgery as simple as an endoscopy, allowing patients to recover quickly after the procedure.

Professor He also stressed that while surgical robots play a significant role in improving early lung cancer treatment outcomes, they are not the only option. Given that each patient’s condition is different, there is a growing need for more personalized treatment plans to cater to individual needs. The future of lung cancer treatment will place greater emphasis on integrating multiple technologies, including vaccines, targeted therapies, ablation techniques, and more. This approach aims to provide each early-stage lung cancer patient with the “optimal solution” for their condition. Each of these technologies also has room for further development. For instance, for patients who are not suitable for surgery, ablation treatment remains an effective option, especially for those with poor overall health who cannot tolerate major surgery. However, current ablation techniques for lung cancer face challenges due to the large amount of air in the lungs, which leads to uneven heat conduction and affects treatment outcomes. Therefore, future technological developments must address these physical challenges to further optimize the use of ablation in lung cancer treatment.

AI: A “Smart Assistant” for Early and Accurate Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Precise diagnosis is a key prerequisite for precision treatment. In addition to surgical robots, the application of AI technology in early lung cancer diagnosis has garnered significant attention. ProfessorJianxing Heexplained that AI technology plays a crucial role in achieving precision in diagnosis. The development of AI is set to greatly empower the medical field, alleviating doctors’ workloads while improving diagnostic efficiency and accuracy. Currently, AI is becoming increasingly important in healthcare, particularly in early lung cancer detection. By combining CT imaging with plasma DNA methylation testing, AI has achieved an accuracy rate of over 90% in early diagnosis. This breakthrough significantly enhances the effectiveness of early-stage lung cancer treatment and reduces the likelihood of misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses.

Professor He also emphasized that although AI holds great promise in the medical field, its development and application still depend on human ingenuity. Only by combining human creativity with technological advancements can true innovation in healthcare be realized. He further noted that AI not only excels in diagnostics but also has potential applications in the treatment process. By integrating AI with technologies such as surgical robots, more precise and efficient treatment plans can be provided to patients.

The Vital Link: Integrating Medicine and Engineering to Drive Medical Innovation for Patients

Professor Jianxing He repeatedly emphasized the importance of integrating medicine and engineering. He believes that close collaboration between these two fields is crucial for driving medical technology innovation and ensuring successful implementation. Doctors need to translate clinical needs into specific technical requirements, while engineers must transform these requirements into practical products. This interdisciplinary cooperation fosters the development of innovative medical equipment and improves the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.

Recently, China has placed significant emphasis on scientific and technological innovation in healthcare, continuously promoting collaboration among various parties. During the interview, Professor He highlighted the importance of turning research outcomes into real-world applications. He pointed out that although China has made significant strides in scientific research, few achievements are effectively translated into practical applications, often due to the lack of support from an intermediary link. This requires the combined efforts of enterprises, research institutions, and government agencies to swiftly turn research into medical products that benefit patients, through compliant animal testing and clinical trials.

Professor He also stressed that doctors and engineers each have distinct expertise in their respective fields, while enterprises play the role of a bridge, facilitating collaboration between the two. By working together, they can transform scientific discoveries into tangible products, accelerating the adoption and application of innovative medical technologies. This will make healthcare more precise, efficient, and accessible, ultimately benefiting a wide range of patients.