AI that teams up with radiologists to find cancers on chest X-rays

SCH: AI-DOCTOR COLLABORATIVE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON · NIH-11142629

This project builds AI that works alongside radiologists to spot cancers and other problems on chest X-rays so fewer cases are missed.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11142629 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would be part of work that trains AI to help radiologists read medical images, especially chest X-rays, by combining computer vision with information about where the radiologist is looking. The team will use deep learning models plus gaze-tracking to learn how radiologists examine images and when the AI should offer input. They will design a simple, low-disruption interface so AI advice fits naturally into a radiologist's workflow. Finally, they will test the combined approach on real imaging cases to see if it reduces missed cancers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People getting chest X-rays for lung cancer screening or diagnostic workups would be the most relevant patients for this work.

Not a fit: Patients whose conditions cannot be seen on chest X-ray or who need immediate emergency care may not directly benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce missed cancers on X-rays and help patients get earlier diagnoses.

How similar studies have performed: Previous AI tools have improved detection of lung abnormalities on X-rays, but using gaze-based collaboration between humans and AI is a newer approach with limited real-world testing.

Where this research is happening

HOUSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.