AI developed during high-profile competition rivals radiologists’ lung cancer predictions

Artificial intelligence algorithms developed during high-profile competitions rival radiologists’ ability to spot lung cancer on screening exams, according to data published Wednesday.

Back in 2017, participants in the Data Science Bowl were tasked with developing software that could pinpoint cancerous lung lesions on low-dose chest CT scans. Winning algorithms were announced, but organizers never tested their real-world performance nor if they stood up to independent imaging data.

Experts took three of the top performing tools and pitted them against 11 radiologists. Each produced a…