Chinese researchers at the South China University of Technology (SCUT) have utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce unnecessary surgical procedures in colorectal cancer patients after local excision, as announced on Wednesday.
The research team developed an AI-based prediction model to assess the likelihood of cancer recurrence following local excision of colorectal cancer, using pathological images from endoscopically or transanally resected T1 rectal cancer specimens.
Colorectal cancer ranks as the third most prevalent cancer globally, representing approximately 10% of all cancer cases. For early-stage colorectal cancer patients, local resection is often the main treatment. However, some high-risk individuals still require additional surgeries to avoid recurrence, which not only increases the physical burden but also significantly impacts their quality of life.
The researchers from SCUT and Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital designed an artificial neural network model that predicts the recurrence risk in T1 rectal cancer patients, offering valuable guidance for post-surgery decisions.
This AI prediction model has contributed to a 34.9% reduction in unnecessary additional surgeries compared to the current U.S. guidelines, as stated by the researchers.
The model aids physicians in making informed decisions and highlights the significant potential of AI in predicting tumor behavior through histopathological images.
The findings have been published in the European Journal of Surgical Oncology.
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