< Back to news
30 November 2023
AI system helps spot early-stage oesophageal cancer
A new AI system can help endoscopists recognise oesophageal cancer early, according to a study by Amsterdam UMC and TU Eindhoven. "The earlier you recognise oesophageal cancer, the better the outcome for the patient," said Jacques Bergman, professor of endoscopy at Amsterdam UMC. "We are therefore very happy with this help from artificial intelligence."
The results were published today in The Lancet Digital Health. For this study, the endoscope used by the endoscopist to look into the patient's oesophagus was connected to the AI system that assesses the images during treatment. This form of artificial intelligence was developed specifically for patients with what is known as Barrett's oesophagus. These patients have an increased risk of oesophageal cancer. Because of subtle changes, oesophageal cancer is very difficult to recognise in them and doctors regularly miss it. The patients therefore receive endoscopic research once every few years. With AI help for better recognition, there will be more certainty for these patients.
Instantly seen on screen
A unique feature of this system is that - during the endoscopic research - it can recognise oesophageal cancer on the endoscopy screen. More than 100 endoscopists from different countries tested the system with video images on a computer. When assisted by the AI system, endoscopists were significantly more likely to recognise an early form of oesophageal cancer: in 79% of cases, compared with 67% of cases without assistance.
International experts
The system's accuracy was also compared with that of international experts: endoscopists specialising in this type of cancer. It was found that the system recognised oesophageal cancer about as often as these experts. With the results of the study, the researchers hope that AI's help can be used as soon as possible in endoscopic research among patients with Barrett's oesophagus.
This project was conducted by an international consortium of 15 hospitals, led by Amsterdam UMC and TU Eindhoven.
Vergelijkbaar >
Similar news items
October 14
TikTok turns to AI, cuts hundreds of jobs worldwide
TikTok, the popular social media platform, has cut hundreds of jobs globally, particularly in the content moderation department. The company aims to rely more on artificial intelligence (AI) for moderating content. This decision has a significant impact, especially in Malaysia and the Netherlands, according to various sources such as NOS , de Volkskrant , and NRC .
read more >
October 14
Analysis: OpenAI moves from idealism to profit-driven future
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has raised $6.6 billion from investors, bringing its valuation to $157 billion. Once established as a nonprofit organization with idealistic goals, OpenAI is now transitioning into a profit-driven enterprise. These developments and the financial restructuring mark a new phase for OpenAI, as analyzed by de Volkskrant .
read more >
October 14
Responsible AI: A Collaborative Effort
How can AI be developed in a way that avoids discrimination and excessive energy consumption, but instead benefits society? This is the central question of a large national AI initiative housed at the Informatics Institute of the University of Amsterdam (UvA). In collaboration with companies and (semi-)government institutions, the initiative focuses on responsible AI solutions for societal challenges such as food waste, cancer treatments, and combating discrimination.
read more >