Abstract Quantum computing (QC) has emerged as a transformative technology with the potential to surpass classical computational limits, especially in complex domains like medical imaging. This study investigates the integration of QC and quantum machine learning (QML) into medical imaging, with a focus on MRI, EEG, and CT. A structured literature review was conducted to identify recent developments, focusing on studies using accessible open-source data and English-language peer-reviewed publications. By leveraging quantum principles such as superposition and entanglement, hybrid quantum-classical models have demonstrated enhanced accuracy, speed, and efficiency in diagnostic tasks. In MRI, QML has improved early detection and classification of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and brain tumours. In EEG analysis, quantum algorithms such as Quantum EEGNet and Quantum Support Vector Machines have shown superior performance in detecting disorders, including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, quantum algorithms for CT image reconstruction and classification have achieved faster processing with fewer artifacts and greater fidelity. Despite current hardware constraints, results highlight the promise of QC in addressing existing limitations in medical diagnostics. The findings support continued development of QML models and quantum-enhanced workflows, with potential to revolutionise clinical practice by offering more accurate, efficient, and personalised care in neurological imaging and analysis.
Abstract Quantum computing (QC) has emerged as a transformative technology with the potential to surpass classical computational limits, especially in complex domains like medical imaging. This study investigates the integration of QC and quantum machine learning (QML) into medical imaging, with a focus on MRI, EEG, and CT. A structured literature review was conducted to identify recent developments, focusing on studies using accessible open-source data and English-language peer-reviewed publications. By leveraging quantum principles such as superposition and entanglement, hybrid quantum-classical models have demonstrated enhanced accuracy, speed, and efficiency in diagnostic tasks. In MRI, QML has improved early detection and classification of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and brain tumours. In EEG analysis, quantum algorithms such as Quantum EEGNet and Quantum Support Vector Machines have shown superior performance in detecting disorders, including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, quantum algorithms for CT image reconstruction and classification have achieved faster processing with fewer artifacts and greater fidelity. Despite current hardware constraints, results highlight the promise of QC in addressing existing limitations in medical diagnostics. The findings support continued development of QML models and quantum-enhanced workflows, with potential to revolutionise clinical practice by offering more accurate, efficient, and personalised care in neurological imaging and analysis.
Quantum computing is quickly revolutionizing medicine, promising unprecedented levels of processing, analysis, and decision-making abilities. This review discusses recent developments in applying quantum computing to medical imaging, diagnostics, and treatment planning. Quantum machine learning and hybrid quantum-classical models have been used by researchers to show improved accuracy, speed, and scalability in medical image classification, segmentation, and disease prediction. Quantum-improved algorithms are being implemented for early detection of multifactorial diseases like cancer and neurologic disorders with potential for advancing clinical prognoses and biomarker discovery. Moreover, quantum cryptography methods are under development to enhance security for private medical information with concerns regarding expanding privacy and security risks. Improvements in quantum neural networks and adaptive hybrid quantum convolutional neural networks (CNNs) also hold promise in enhancing diagnostic efficiency and resource savings. This review synthesizes existing applications, identifies new trends, and delineates challenges and future directions of quantum computing in medicine. It underscores the importance of explainable and interpretable quantum AI systems to maintain clinical trust and utility. The results indicate that quantum technologies, although in their infancy, have transformative potential for precision medicine, personalized therapy, and sophisticated medical decision-making.
Quantum computing is fast transforming the medical world and giving it a new level of speed, accuracy, and safety in the health-care information. The latest developments use quantum machine learning and quantum-classical to improve medical imaging like classification, segmentation, and disease prediction, going beyond the capability of the classical algorithms. In the multifactorial disease cases, like cancer and neurological diseases, quantum-enhanced analytics will yield better clinical prognoses, better biomarker discoveries, and earlier detection. In the meantime, quantum-cryptography protocols are under development that will provide protection against privacy threats that are constantly changing to harm patient data. State-of-the-art quantum neural networks and adaptive hybrid quantum convolutional neural networks (CNNs) continue to optimize the process of diagnostics, reducing resource consumption, without losing the level of accuracy. This review maps these new applications, identifies the new trends, and talks about the future challenges of such applications, especially the requirement of explainable, interpretable quantum AI, which the clinicians can believe in. In brief, quantum technologies are in their infancy, but will have the ability to advance precision medicine, customised treatment and revolutionise medical decision-making.
Abstract The convergence of quantum computing and medical image analysis has emerged as a promising frontier for advancing diagnostic intelligence beyond the limits of classical machine learning. Recent developments in quantum hardware and quantum machine learning (QML) algorithms have stimulated growing interest in their potential to enhance complex medical imaging tasks, including disease classification, image segmentation, and clinical decision support (Wei et al., 2023; Ullah and Garcia-Zapirain, 2024). This study presents a comprehensive review and synthesis of state-of-the-art QML methodologies applied to medical imaging, systematically examining both theoretical foundations and empirical implementations. We analyze quantum-based and hybrid quantum–classical models employed across modalities such as MRI, CT, X-ray, and histopathological imaging, with particular attention to classification accuracy, computational efficiency, and diagnostic robustness (Maheshwari et al., 2022; ElBedoui et al., 2025). Our findings reveal clear trends indicating that hybrid quantum–classical approaches currently dominate practical applications, consistently outperforming purely classical baselines in select low-dimensional and domain-specific diagnostic tasks. Performance gains are most evident in feature-rich yet data-constrained scenarios, where quantum kernels and variational circuits demonstrate enhanced representational capacity (Ajlouni et al., 2023; Landman et al., 2022). However, these advantages remain context-dependent and sensitive to noise, circuit depth, and encoding strategies. Overall, QML holds significant promise for improving medical image-based diagnosis, but its widespread clinical adoption is constrained by hardware scalability, limited qubit coherence, and unresolved data encoding challenges. Addressing these limitations will be critical for translating QML from experimental feasibility to routine medical practice (Marengo and Santamato, 2025; Rawas and AlSaeed, 2026).
Quantum Machine Learning (QML) is an emerging, powerful paradigm at the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence, with the potential to enhance medical image analysis. We compared their performance with classical counterparts, while critically examining the gap between theoretical quantum advantages and the practical constraints of current Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) implementations. This review explored the current landscape of QML-based methodologies applied to key medical imaging modalities - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), X-rays, and histopathology. We systematically analyzed how quantum-enhanced models were employed for critical tasks such as image classification, segmentation, and reconstruction, and we compared their performance with that of classical counterparts. The review delved into the architectural innovations that enabled these quantum approaches, including hybrid quantum-classical frameworks, variational quantum circuits, and quantum convolutional neural networks. Particular emphasis was given to the clinical relevance of QML applications, from early diagnostics to real-time surgery planning, and how quantum advantage might influence data efficiency, interpretability, along computational scalability. Finally, we highlighted current challenges in data encoding, noise resilience, and hardware limitations, and discussed promising future directions that could enable the practical deployment of QML in healthcare settings. This comprehensive review aimed to serve as a foundational reference for researchers and practitioners looking to harness quantum computing in medical imaging and precision medicine.
Abstract Quantum computing is set to revolutionize medical imaging and diagnostics by enhancing speed, accuracy, and the ability to process complex datasets, leading to improved patient outcomes. This review paper provides an extensive comparative study of how quantum-mechanical principles like superposition, entanglement, and interference can overcome the inherent limitations of classical binary computing in the medical field. We explore specific applications in MRI and CT scan reconstruction, the mathematical advantages of the Quantum Fourier Transform (QFT), the integration of Quantum Machine Learning (QML) for automated pathology detection, and the transformative potential of hybrid quantum-classical systems. The paper also addresses current hardware limitations such as qubit decoherence, evaluates materials science innovations in superconducting circuits, and provides a strategic roadmap for the future of quantum-enhanced healthcare. Keywords: Quantum Computing, Medical Imaging, MRI Reconstruction, Qubits, Quantum Machine Learning, Diagnostics, Materials Science Introduction The field of medical imaging has undergone significant transformations over the last few decades, progressing from simple analog X-ray plates to complex digital 3D reconstructions and functional metabolic imaging. However, as the medical community moves toward "Precision Medicine," the demand for ultra-high-resolution data and real-time diagnostic feedback is growing at an exponential rate. Classical computing systems, governed by Moore’s Law, are reaching a physical and algorithmic bottleneck. The sheer volume of data generated by modern 7-Tesla MRI, Dual-Energy CT scans, and high-resolution PET-CT systems is becoming increasingly difficult to process with traditional von Neumann architectures. In modern clinical settings, a single high-resolution volumetric scan can generate several gigabytes of raw data. This data requires intensive signal processing—often taking minutes or even hours—to reconstruct into a format that a radiologist can interpret. In emergency medicine, specifically for stroke or trauma patients, the latency of classical reconstruction algorithms can be the difference between recovery and permanent disability. Quantum computing introduces a fundamental paradigm shift. By leveraging quantum bits (qubits), which utilize the subatomic properties of superposition and entanglement, quantum computers can theoretically perform massive parallel computations that are mathematically impossible for classical binary systems. This paper provides a comprehensive review of these quantum paradigms, comparing their efficiency to classical methods and outlining the path toward clinical implementation. Theoretical Framework: The Physics of Quantum Advantage Classical computers operate on bits, representing a deterministic state of either 0 or 1. In medical imaging, this means algorithms must process pixels or voxels sequentially. Quantum computing utilizes the unique properties of quantum mechanics to alter the fundamental complexity classes of imaging tasks. 2.1 Superposition and Parallelism Unlike a bit, a qubit can exist in a state |⟩=|0⟩+|1⟩, where and are complex probability amplitudes such that ||2+||2=1. This allows n qubits to represent 2n states simultaneously. For a medical image consisting of 10241024 voxels, a quantum system can map the entire state space into a vastly smaller number of physical qubits (approximately 20 qubits for a million voxels). This allows for "Global Optimization," where the computer evaluates all possible image configurations at once to find the one with the least noise. 2.2 Entanglement and Non-Locality Entanglement allows qubits to be correlated in a way that exceeds classical physics. In image processing, this property is being researched to create "Quantum Sensors." These sensors use entangled photons or atoms to detect minute magnetic field variations in MRI far exceeding the sensitivity of classical induction coils. This could lead to MRI machines that do not require massive, expensive superconducting magnets, making them portable and more accessible. 2.3 Quantum Interference and Phase Estimation Quantum interference is used to bias the probability of measuring the correct answer in an algorithm. In image denoising and deconvolution, interference patterns can be engineered to amplify the signal (the anatomical structure) while canceling out the noise (electronic artifacts or motion blur). This process, known as Quantum Phase Estimation (QPE), is a core component of many imaging algorithms that provide a "Quantum Speedup." Applications in Medical Modalities 3.1 Accelerated MRI Reconstruction via Quantum Fourier Transform (QFT) MRI relies on the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to convert raw signals from the frequency domain (k-space) into the spatial domain. The classical FFT has a complexity of O(NlogN). In contrast, the Quantum Fourier Transform (QFT) operates with a complexity of O(log2N). This exponential speedup has several critical clinical implications: Real-time Guided Surgery: Surgeons currently rely on static images. QFT could allow for "Live MRI," providing updated feedback during neurosurgery as brain tissue shifts. Pediatric and Geriatric Care: Reducing scan times from 45 minutes to 45 seconds would eliminate the need for anesthesia in children who cannot remain still. Low-Field Imaging: Higher computational power can compensate for lower-quality raw signals, allowing for high-quality images from smaller, less expensive MRI units in rural areas. 3.2 CT and PET Optimization: The Radon Transform CT scans utilize the Radon transform to reconstruct 3D volumes from 2D projections. Classical iterative reconstruction (IR) is computationally expensive and often results in "staircase artifacts." Quantum algorithms, such as the HHL (Harrow-Hassidim-Lloyd) algorithm for linear systems of equations, can solve the massive matrices required for CT reconstruction with logarithmic scaling. This allows for higher resolution while simultaneously reducing the radiation dose required for the patient. 3.3 Comparative Analysis: A Detailed Quantitative Review Table 1: Comparative Analysis: Classical vs. Quantum Computing in Medical Imaging Feature Classical Computing (Binary) Quantum Computing (Qubit) Clinical Impact & Consequences Basic Data Unit Bits (0 or 1) Qubits (Superposition) Exponentially higher data density and state representation. Logic Gates Boolean Logic (AND, OR, NOT) Unitary Gates (Hadamard, CNOT) Ability to explore multiple logical paths simultaneously. Processing Power Sequential or Vectorized (CPU/GPU) Massively Parallel (Global) Enables real-time diagnostic feedback during surgical procedures. MRI Scaling O (N log N) Complexity O (log2 N) Complexity Theoretical 100x speedup in image reconstruction times. Algorithmic Aim Gradient Descent (Local Minima) Quantum Annealing (Global Minima) Superior noise reduction and image clarity by finding the "true" global optimum. Storage & Memory Linear Growth Exponential Growth (2n) Efficient management of high-dimensional datasets like whole-genome sequencing. Radiation Safety Higher Dose (to maintain SNR) Lower Dose (Q-enhanced SNR) Significant reduction in long-term radiation exposure for chronic patients. Biomarker Detection Limited by pixel resolution/noise Enhanced via Quantum Interference Early-stage detection of micro-metastases and neurodegenerative markers. Hardware State Mature (Silicon CMOS) Emerging (NISQ Era) Shift toward hybrid architectures in the immediate clinical future. The transition from classical to quantum paradigms represents a shift from linear deterministic processing to exponential probabilistic optimization. While classical systems are robust and reliable for standard data management, quantum systems address the "computational bottleneck" inherent in high-resolution volumetric imaging (7T MRI, 4D-CT). The primary clinical advantage identified is the acceleration of the Radon and Fourier transforms, which reduces patient wait times and allows for lower-dose diagnostic protocols without sacrificing image quality. Integration with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning The synergy between Quantum Science and Artificial Intelligence Quantum Machine Learning (QML) is a primary focus for current research at institutions like eminent University. 4.1 Quantum Neural Networks (QNN) and Feature Spaces In classical AI, deep learning models often struggle with the "curse of dimensionality" when analyzing 4D imaging datasets. QNNs utilize "Quantum Feature Maps" to project data into a high-dimensional Hilbert space where classes of data (e.g., malignant vs. benign) become linearly separable. This leads to significantly higher sensitivity in automated mammography and lung cancer screening. 4.2 Automated Segmentation and Pathology Detection Automated segmentation involves the computer outlining the boundaries of an organ or a tumor. Classical AI requires thousands of labeled images to learn these boundaries. Preliminary studies suggest that QML algorithms can achieve higher accuracy with 70% less training data because the quantum kernels are inherently better at recognizing complex geometric patterns in biological tissue. Materials Science and Hardware Implementation The transition from theory to clinical practice is a challenge of Materials Science. The qubits must be isolated from all external interference to prevent "decoherence." Superconducting Qubits: Currently favored by IBM and Google, these use Josephson junctions made of superconducting materials like Niobium. They require dilution refrigerators to reach temperatures colder than deep space (15 mK). Trapped Ion Qubits: Utilize individual atoms (li
Quantum computing (QC) represents a paradigm shift in computational power, offering unique capabilities for addressing complex problems that are infeasible for classical computers. This review paper provides a detailed account of the current state of QC, with a particular focus on its applications within medicine. It explores fundamental concepts such as qubits, superposition, and entanglement, as well as the evolution of QC from theoretical foundations to practical advancements. The paper covers significant milestones where QC has intersected with medical research, including breakthroughs in drug discovery, molecular modeling, genomics, and medical diagnostics. Additionally, key quantum techniques such as quantum algorithms, quantum machine learning (QML), and quantum-enhanced imaging are explained, highlighting their relevance in healthcare. The paper also addresses challenges in the field, including hardware limitations, scalability, and integration within clinical environments. Looking forward, the paper discusses the potential for quantum-classical hybrid systems and emerging innovations in quantum hardware, suggesting how these advancements may accelerate the adoption of QC in medical research and clinical practice. By synthesizing reliable knowledge and presenting it through a comprehensive lens, this paper serves as a valuable reference for researchers interested in the transformative potential of QC in medicine.