Five smart technologies that act as a "second pair of eyes" during bowel examinations have been conditionally recommended by NICE for NHS use, potentially helping doctors spot harmful growths that could turn into cancer.
Patients having a colonoscopy – a camera test to look inside the bowel – could benefit from cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) tech that helps doctors spot small growths called polyps more easily. Some of these polyps can turn into bowel cancer if not found and removed early.
NICE's independent advisory committee has said five AI technologies can be used in the NHS whilst more evidence is collected over the next four years to understand their full benefits.
These AI tools watch the live camera feed during a colonoscopy and have learned to spot polyps by studying thousands of images. When the software thinks it sees a polyp, it alerts the doctor to the area of concern. It's like having an extra pair of eyes looking out for anything that might be easy to miss.
The doctor stays in complete control and makes all the decisions – whether something really is a polyp, whether it needs removing, and what to do next. The whole process fits into the normal colonoscopy and usually adds just a minute or two to the appointment.
The five technologies are:
- CAD EYE
- ENDO-AID
- EndoScreener
- GI Genius
- MAGENTIQ-COLO
Bowel cancer is the UK's fourth most common cancer, affecting over 42,000 people each year. Catching it early makes a huge difference – 9 out of 10 people survive when it's found at the earliest stage. Finding and removing polyps before they become cancerous is one of the best ways to prevent bowel cancer.
Dr Chalkidou added: “We're allowing these technologies to be used now because they show real promise, whilst we gather the detailed evidence, we need to understand their long-term impact on preventing cancer."
Professor Hawkins added: “That's why we're recommending they can be used whilst companies collect more detailed evidence. It's vital to remember that AI supports doctors' expertise – it doesn't replace their skill and judgement in caring for patients."
Supporting the government's mission to fight bowel cancer
This guidance supports the government's commitment to transforming cancer care and getting diagnoses faster. The government's 10 Year Health Plan is focused on shifting care closer to home and using the latest technology to improve patient outcomes.
The government is backing groundbreaking research to detect bowel cancer earlier and more effectively. Recent investments include £2.4 million for an AI blood test that can spot cancer with over 99% accuracy, making diagnosis quicker, less invasive and cheaper.
Health Innovation Minister Dr Zubir Ahmed said: “When I started out in the NHS 20 years ago, I never imagined this sort of healthcare could be possible.
Excerpt from the official page. The original is authoritative. Continue reading at UK NICE ↗