Catharina Hospital and Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) have received €1,331,931.50 in funding from the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF) to advance AI research for early detection of pancreatic cancer. The five-year study, led by Professor and surgical oncologist Misha Luyer, aims to improve diagnosis of one of the deadliest cancers.
The collaboration leverages Catharina Hospital’s medical expertise and TU/e’s technological knowledge. Previously, the team developed an AI program that automatically analyzes abdominal CT scans to detect tumors in the pancreas. The new project will test whether radiologists using this AI tool can identify tumors earlier and more reliably than without AI. The study will include 25 Dutch hospitals and over 3,750 patients.
Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis, with fewer than 5% of patients surviving five years after diagnosis. The disease is often detected late due to vague early symptoms and the difficulty of spotting tumors on CT scans. Detecting cancer earlier increases the chances of curative treatment.
“This funding allows us, for the first time in the Netherlands, to test at scale whether AI can help detect pancreatic cancer earlier. This could be a major step forward for patients and healthcare,” said Misha Luyer.
For patients, the research could mean faster, more accurate diagnoses, fewer unnecessary tests, and a higher chance of successful treatment. For society, it may improve survival rates and reduce healthcare costs.
Carla van Gils, Director of KWF, added, “The urgency for pancreatic cancer is extremely high. Survival rates remain low, and progress requires innovative approaches. This funding supports research that combines medical care and technological innovation with the goal of better outcomes for patients.”
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