Integrating AI into the Fight Against Colorectal Cancer
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and like many other forms of cancer, screening and early detection play a big role in positive patient outcomes. About 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with early detection, but awareness alone is not enough. AI technology is greatly improving the quality and efficiency of colorectal cancer screening. This week’s Domain Knowledge highlights recent AI developments that aid in the fight against colorectal cancer.
AI might not immediately come to mind when thinking of colorectal cancer, but there are several that AI is well-positioned to address. AI Trends in Diagnosing Colorectal Cancer highlights ways AI can impact care and improve patient outcomes.
The Medtronic GI Genius intelligent endoscopy system is making a huge impact in early colorectal cancer detection and has recently been deployed at Rush University System for Health based in Chicago. The AI tool increases the detection of multiple polyps by over about 50%. The capabilities extend beyond this but is especially helpful with colorectal polyps that are undetectable to the naked eye.
A recent interview with Dr. Marguerita Murphy, a colon and rectal surgeon in South Carolina who recently used this same GI Genius technology, discusses the impact this new detection method has on the course of patient care. She also noted that AI doesn’t get tired or distracted, and will help save lives.
The Medtronic Health Equity Assistance Program is also contributing 50 GI Genius modules to endoscopy centers around the country at no cost. The goal is to bridge the gap in access to cancer screening in low-income areas. Integrating this technology with fast and intentional deployment is helping save as many lives as possible and could serve as a guide for future healthcare AI implementation.
Other recent studies of note include AI being used for the detection of microsatellite instability in colorectal cancer, which in its simplest form would help determine the best course of care for cancer patients based on genetic information. Another study uses AI to predict length of stay, readmission, and mortality rates of colorectal cancer patients, which will help healthcare system operations.
That’s a wrap for this week’s review of news and happenings in the healthcare AI space. In closing, I’ll leave you with an invitation to learn more about the benefits of using an AI Hub to manage multiple applications across your clinical needs and offer you a personal demo of Ferrum’s platform and growing AI catalog.
If you have AI tips, suggestions, or resources you’d like to share leave us a note below, and please feel free to suggest topics you would like to see covered in future posts.
Alex Uy
Alex is a recent UC San Diego graduate with a degree in economics and communications. His focus is digital marketing, and he has a passion for technology driven healthcare solutions.