Koning Corporation, a provider of breast computed tomography (CT) technology has launched artificial intelligence (AI) software designed to enhance image quality.

The new software integrates with Koning’s existing breast CT imaging platform to produce high-resolution, accurate 3D images. The company states that this has the potential to lead to early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

The software reduces noise and artefacts that can interfere with image interpretation, which should enable radiologists to make more accurate diagnoses.

There are currently ethical issues and controversy surrounding the use of AI in medicine, with a worry being that reduced doctor-patient interaction will lead to a loss of empathy and kindness and negatively impact the patient experience. Koning said its software is designed to augment existing physician capabilities in a sustainable manner.

"We are proud to introduce this revolutionary AI-enhanced Breast CT software," said Lutao Ning, Koning CEO.

"This update to our current platform is set to redefine the standards of image quality in breast CT imaging, empowering radiologists to detect even the smallest irregularities at the earliest stages."

US-based Koning received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its Koning's Breast CT (KBCT) system and KBCT-guided biopsy bracket in 2015. The earlier system offered 3D diagnostic imaging of the breast.

AI in breast imaging is becoming increasingly popular. In June, Capio St Göran, Sweden’s largest private hospital, joined forces with Lunit, a South Korea-based supplier of AI-powered cancer diagnostics to provide an AI solution for mammography analysis.

According to a report by GlobalData, 39% of healthcare industry professionals surveyed believe that AI will be the emerging technology bringing the greatest impact on the pharmaceutical industry in 2023.

Another GlobalData report says that AI is growing in several fields globally, with the market expected to reach $93 billion in 2023, up 12% from 2022.