A new endoscopic system powered by artificial intelligence (AI) has today been shown to automatically identify colorectal adenomas during colonoscopy. The system, developed in Japan, has recently been tested in one of the first prospective trials of AI-assisted endoscopy in a clinical setting, with the results presented today at the 25th UEG Week in Barcelona, Spain.
The new computer-aided diagnostic system uses an
The prospective study, led by Dr. Yuichi Mori from Showa University in Yokohama, Japan, involved 250 men and women in whom colorectal polyps had been detected using
Speaking at the Opening Plenary at UEG Week, Mori explained; “The most remarkable breakthrough with this system is that artificial intelligence enables real-time optical biopsy of colorectal polyps during colonoscopy, regardless of the endoscopists’ skill. This allows the complete resection of adenomatous polyps and prevents unnecessary polypectomy of non-neoplastic polyps.”
“We believe these results are acceptable for clinical application and our immediate goal is to obtain regulatory approval for the diagnostic system,” added Mori.
“Moving forward, the research team is now undertaking a multicentre study for this purpose and also working on developing an automatic polyp detection system. Precise on-site identification of adenomas during colonoscopy contributes to the complete resection of neoplastic lesions.
“This is thought to decrease the risk of colorectal cancer and, ultimately, cancer-related death.”
Source: 25th UEG Week