CEATEC AWARD 2020

Co-Creation PARK Category

Grand Prix

Early Detection of Gastric Cancer using Endoscopic AI

AI Medical Service Inc.
New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) (Exhibit Area: General)

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Outline

Gastric cancer is difficult to detect because it typically occurs in patients already suffering from gastritis. Indeed, 5% to 24% of gastric cancers go undetected. The endoscopic solution developed by these two organizations makes use of both real-time and still images, and provides AI support for detecting and differentiating lesions. It thus enhances the accuracy of endoscopic diagnosis and reduces the burden on medical staff. AI-based diagnosis is very fast, taking just 0.02 sec per image, and accuracy is 94.3%, equivalent to that of a specialist.

Assessment

Gastrointestinal endoscopes are one of Japan’s leading medical devices: three Japanese manufacturers account for 98% of the global market, so there are high hopes for sustainable and seamless expansion in overseas markets. Ongoing technical development is aimed at applying this technology to the detection and differentiation of cancers of the esophagus and colon. Furthermore, R&D work is also focusing on applying AI to the images captured by capsule endoscopes; such examinations are now covered by insurance in Japan under the 2020 medical fee schedule. Because gastric cancer is difficult to detect, early detection through regular screening is important. Highly evaluated was the fact that this technology is expected to benefit the country as a whole by contributing to effectively reducing both medical costs and the number of patients dying from stomach cancer. Endoscopic AI is also expected to benefit countries and regions where there are not enough specialists available to provide instruction, allowing young doctors to train and gain experience.