A UK-based applied science company, focused on supporting cancer diagnostics with machine learning, is bringing its award-winning solution to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Kheiron Medical Technologies has partnered with the UAE’s Atlas Medical to launch Mia, its breast cancer screening solution that supports radiologists in reducing errors in cancer detection, in the region.

Launched in 2019, Mia – which stands for “mammography intelligent assessment” – uses artificial intelligence (AI) to work as a “second reader” in workflow. Should the radiologist (“first human reader”) and Mia disagree on a result, then a second radiologist is brought in for a third opinion.

“Our mission at Kheiron is to support breast screening professionals in the fight against breast cancer with proven and effective AI-enabled tools,” said Alex Hamlow, Kheiron’s Chief Commercial Officer. “We’re excited that Mia is the first AI independent reader solution available for use within the breast screening community in the UAE. Based on its performance in the UK and Europe, Mia represents a major breakthrough in helping radiologists dramatically improve breast cancer detection and patient outcomes.”

He continued: “According to the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, breast cancer was the most prevalent of all cancers detected in the UAE in 2020, accounting for 38.8% of all new cancer cases detected in women. I’m excited that Mia can help both radiologists and the women they care for.”

WHY IT MATTERS

There are several advantages to using AI technology in cancer screening, says the company.

“Using AI technology for the second screening frees up clinicians to spend time with patients, reduces the pressure to find more radiologists, and has the potential to screen greater numbers of women more quickly.”

It also prevents unnecessary biopsies.

According to a statement by Kheiron, “Mia has learnt to read mammograms to the same level of detail as a consulting radiologist.”

ON THE RECORD

“I am delighted that Kheiron Medical Technologies is bringing their breakthrough AI platform for breast screening, Mia, to the Gulf region, and that the UK’s Department for International Trade played a role in making this happen,” said Simon Penney, Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for the Middle East. “Kheiron’s technology brings pioneering AI to the frontline, freeing up clinicians’ time and helping to save lives.”

V. Kalyanasundaram, General Manager for Atlas Medical in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, added: “We are looking forward to bringing the Mia solution to the breast screening community throughout the UAE. It has tremendous potential to transform breast screening for radiologists and for women.

“By improving radiologist productivity and empowering breast screening professionals to detect potential malignancies more accurately and quickly, Mia ultimately will help save more lives in the fight against breast cancer.”

In addition to the UAE, Mia is reportedly set to launch soon in Qatar and Oman, “pending local requirements.”