Project aims to diagnose bowel cancer with AI

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Bowel cancer could be diagnosed with Artificial Intelligence-assisted capsule endoscopy, claim researchers leading a £6m collaboration.

Bowel cancer is currently detected via an endoscope
Bowel cancer is currently detected via an endoscope - AdobeStock

Bowel cancer is currently detected by inserting an endoscope into a patient’s colon which then travels around the large bowel allowing doctors to check for cancer.

Clinical Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) utilises a ‘smart pill’ containing cameras which, once swallowed by a patient, records images of the intestines as it passes through. The diagnostic procedure is currently being rolled out across the NHS in Scotland through the ScotCap programme.

At present, images captured by the capsules are reviewed by doctors, but AI could safely and ethically speed up the process, make it more cost-effective and increase its use.

To this end, a consortium of 12 European partners has received a £6m Horizon Europe grant to work towards eliminating the current medical, technical, and economic barriers to the adoption of AI-supported Image Analysis in Large Bowel Camera Capsule Endoscopy (AICE).

This includes demonstrating that AI algorithms are at least as effective as humans at analysing endoscopy images and identifying where further investigation is required.

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Cancer diagnostics