This AI may help detect early cancer signs

An artificial intelligence system utilised by an NHS Trust could provide a breakthrough in detecting early signs of one of cancers deadliest forms.

The system, known as "CADU," was developed by a team of researchers at the University College London (UCL) and may help doctors detect oesophageal cancer at its early stages, when it is still treatable.

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Oesophageal cancer is currently one of the deadliest forms of the disease. Research suggests the survival rate for early stages sits at around 55%, according to Cancer Research UK, but it is notoriously difficult to detect at this point.

The charity also suggests the five-year survivability rate plummets to 15% upon hitting stage three, making it one of the six least survivable cancers.

It also reportedly kills around 8,000 Britons a year, according to different data.

The systems received regulatory approval in the UK in early 2020, making the first AI of its kind to be given approval for the detection of oesophageal cancer.

The first procedure in the world using this AI technology was performed at University College Hospital by UCLH consultant gastroenterologist Dr Rehan Haidry.

To diagnose this cancer, a doctor will typically use a small video camera to look inside the patient’s throat for the early signs of the disease. This is known as an "endoscopy."

Doctors are looking for subtle changes in the colour and pattern of tissue, but these can be incredibly hard to spot. The patient is usually awake during the procedure and is often given mild medication to numb the throat.

Increases the chances of detecting cancerous tissue is imperative as numerous studies hint up to 25% of early cancers in the oesophagus are missed during endoscopy procedures.

The system was developed as part of a joint research project between UCL and Odin Vision, a company specialising in AI processes for endoscopies.

“AI has great potential to transform healthcare," according to Peter Mountney, Odin Vision's CEO and an honourary professor for computer science at UCL. We are very excited to achieve this landmark procedure and use our AI technology to support doctors in the fight against one of the most aggressive forms of cancer.”

Dr Rehan Haidry, who performed the procedure, said oesophageal cancer remains a pressing issue for the healthcare sector owing to its high mortality rate and often being difficult to detect before it's too late.

"It is imperative that we can detect changes early when we carry out routine endoscopic examinations, because we are now in an era where we can deliver early curative treatment that can improve the outlook for patients with oesophageal cancer.

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“Despite the fantastic development of imaging and training there is still room for improvement and the new CADU system will allow us to improve early detection and streamline the care for these patients across the country.

It has been a huge privilege to be working with the great team at Odin Vision on this project and I am very excited to finally see it being used in routine clinical care on our patients and in our endoscopy unit at UCLH.”

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