Colo-Detect study uses AI to flag regions of interest during colonoscopies
A woman who participated in a study using artificial intelligence (AI) to detect bowel cancer was freed from the disease after it was discovered and removed.
Gene Tyler, 75, of South Shields, participated in a study called Colo-Detect as part of a trial with 10 NHS Trusts.
In this trial, the AI flags tissues of potential concern for physicians performing colonoscopies, which the human eye may miss.
About 2,000 patients from 10 NHS trusts were recruited for the trial.
Gene Tyler – pictured with husband Derek – recovering from surgery
About a year ago, after Mrs. Tyler agreed to participate in a trial, AI detected numerous polyps and areas of cancer during her colonoscopy.
She then underwent surgery at South Tyneside District Hospital and has since recovered.
“thank you for helping me”
“I’ve had incredible support. It’s been incredible,” she said.
“Last year, I visited about 7 or 8 times, and they were very helpful.
“I always say yes to these research projects because I know they can make things better for everyone.”
Professor Colin Rees, a gastroenterology consultant based at Newcastle University, led the study, along with a team of colleagues working at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust.
The study also includes North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, South Tees NHS Foundation Trust, Northumbria NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Professor Colin Rees led the research with a team of colleagues working at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust.
Professor Rees said it is a “world leader” in improving detection, adding that AI is likely to become “a major tool used in medicine in the next few years.”
The findings will be studied to find out how it can help save lives from colon cancer, the second largest cancer that kills about 16,800 people in the UK each year.
Results will be announced in the fall.
