Radiology department uses AI to identify lung cancer screening patients in EHR

A team of researchers from the UC Irvine Department of Radiological Sciences developed a natural language processing (NLP) tool that extracts smoking data from free-text clinical notes, identifying over three times more lung cancer screening-eligible patients than structured electronic health records.

Department Highlights: September 2026

A collection of faculty achievements and research highlights for the month of September 2026.

Gelareh Sadigh Receives New Grants from American Lung Association & Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center

Associate Professor of Radiological Sciences Gelareh Sadigh, MD, was awarded grant funding for two research projects aimed at reducing health system barriers to lung cancer screening.

First-in-Human Clinical Trial Attacks Pancreatic Cancer With Laser Light

UC Irvine's Nadine Abi-Jaoudeh, MD, is leading a groundbreaking clinical trial that uses the light-sensitive drug padeliporfin to destroy localized pancreatic tumors.

Laser therapy offers new hope for inoperable pancreatic tumors

UC Irvine professor Nadine Abi-Jaoudeh, MD, is leading a first-in-human phase 1 clinical trial that uses laser light to target localized pancreatic tumors in patients who are unable to undergo surgery.

New Polycarbonate Polyurethanes Show Promise for Durable Polymer Mitral Valves

A new UC Irvine study led by Arash Kheradvar, MD, PhD, evaluates polycarbonate-based polyurethanes for mitral valves, demonstrating strong durability, desirable mechanics and physiologic blood-flow performance.

Shawn (Liangzhong) Xiang Receives Two Grants to Advance Radiacoustic Imaging for Cancer Radiotherapy

UC Irvine School of Medicine Professor Shawn (Liangzhong) Xiang has received two grants to advance real-time, image-guided radiotherapy.

Breast Radiologist Irene Tsai Leads in Most Downloaded Podcast Cancer Episode for Live Well with UCI Health

UC Irvine Department of Radiological Sciences Associate Professor and UCI Health breast radiologist Irene Tsai, MD, joined the "Live Well with UCI Health" podcast series to discuss breast cancer awareness, risk assessment, treatment and more.

Peter Chang, MD, Translates AI to Advance Healthcare

Stepping into his new role as director of the Institute for Precision Health, Peter Chang, MD, leans into his experience as both a software engineer and radiologist, translating AI research into real-world care.

Department Highlights: January & February 2026

A collection of faculty achievements and research highlights for the months of January and February 2026.