In a ground-breaking development, the Mediq software developed by Synaptiq is fundamentally transforming the landscape of cancer treatment. This artificial intelligence-based software solution has been designed to streamline the process of contouring target volumes and organs at risk, dramatically reducing the time required by doctors from an average of two hours to less than a minute. Currently being tested by radiation oncologists in 12 Romanian clinics, the software has already demonstrated impressive results and is set to revolutionize cancer treatment globally.
The motivation behind the development of Mediq is simple yet profound: to provide those diagnosed with cancer access to treatment as quickly as possible and maximize the number of lives saved. Dragoș Dușe, co-founder and CEO of Synaptiq, explains, “Our aim is to empower doctors to save as many lives as possible.” The significance of this software lies in its ability to not only increase the efficiency of radiotherapy but also in its impact on patient care.
The Norwegian Innovation Fund recognized the potential of Mediq and has provided substantial funding of €158,000 to Synaptiq. Moreover, following the initial success and significant impact of the software, an additional grant of €103,000 has been awarded to Synaptiq. This grant has played a crucial role in advancing the development and implementation of Mediq, enabling its successful integration with clinics' software and hardware. The project, which was completed in March 2024, has surpassed its primary goals of empowering clinicians to drive healthcare innovation.
Currently operational in 17 clinics, with 93 doctors actively participating in its testing and refinement, Mediq is making a tangible difference in patient care. The reduction in time required for treatment planning allows doctors to spend more time with patients and provide them with increased care. Furthermore, the software’s accuracy in contouring organs at risk translates into less toxicity for the patient during treatment, improving their overall well-being.
Lucian Bicsi, the CTO of the development team, highlights the progress achieved during the development of the Innovation Norway-supported project, stating, “In a surprisingly short time, we were able to train our high-performance algorithms on more than 140 structures in all areas of the body, which means that the doctor’s work can now be done in less than a minute. On top of this, we have built a pleasant and easy-to-use interface where the doctor can view, edit, review, and consult other doctors on the affected structures. Throughout the process, patient data is secure and confidential.”
The potential impact of Mediq extends far beyond Romania. Synaptiq aims to expand globally by actively participating in prestigious conferences and continuously striving for improvement in patient care. The strong international exposure facilitated by the support from Innovation Norway is critical to their mission.
Ultimately, the goal of Synaptiq is to obtain certification and CE marking in order to widely distribute Mediq and save as many lives as possible. Dragoș Dușe confirms, “The first results from the clinical trial are already available, and much of the documentation needed to obtain this European approval is done. We have been working on this objective for more than two years and we hope to complete this process in the next 6 months.”
The urgency of implementing innovative solutions such as Mediq is evident when considering the global cancer burden. According to the latest World Health Organization report, there were an estimated 20 million new cases of cancer worldwide in 2022, with the number expected to increase by 60% over the next two decades. In Romania alone, the number of new cancer cases is projected to rise by 21% in 2023, with 550,000 new patients fighting for their lives. The innovative solution provided by Mediq aims to transform cancer treatment by making it fast, accurate, and affordable, ensuring that every patient has the best chance of defeating this formidable disease.
Synaptiq, founded more than three years ago in Cluj, boasts an impressive team of engineers and business specialists with degrees and PhDs from esteemed universities. Additionally, the team includes ten of the best radiation oncologists in Romania, all with extensive experience and expertise in the field of artificial intelligence applied to radiotherapy.
With its ambitious vision and dedicated team, Synaptiq is at the forefront of disrupting the field of cancer treatment. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, Mediq is set to revolutionize the fight against cancer, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care in their battle against this devastating disease. The tireless efforts of the Synaptiq team and the incredible potential of Mediq offer hope for a future where cancer treatment is more efficient, accurate, and accessible, ultimately saving countless lives worldwide.
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