Scottish health researchers are leading a pioneering project which uses artificial intelligence to improve bowel cancer detection.

Clinical Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) uses a ‘smart pill’ containing cameras which records images of the intestines as it passes through.

The groundbreaking diagnostic procedure is currently being rolled out across the NHS in Scotland through the ScotCap programme.

The process improves upon current detection methods, which involve inserting an endoscope into a patient’s colon that allows doctors to check for cancer.

By using smart capsules, researchers say clinical processes can be greatly enhanced, help improve diagnosis of bowel cancer and treat patients earlier. The technology also has potential to reduce capacity pressures on frontline NHS staff.

AI in healthcare

While this process has great potential in improving patient outcomes, images captured by the capsules are manually reviewed by trained doctors.

Researchers say AI offers the potential to speed up the process safely and ethically, making it even more cost-effective and efficient.

Now a consortium of 12 partners across Europe has received a £6 million Horizon Europe grant to work towards eliminating the current barriers to the adoption of AI-supported Image Analysis in Large Bowel Camera Capsule Endoscopy (AICE).

This includes demonstrating that AI algorithms are at least as effective as humans at analysing endoscopy images and pinpointing where further investigation is required.

The four-year AICE project involves the University of Strathclyde, NHS Highland and Islands and two of Scotland’s innovation centres – The Data Lab and the Strathclyde-hosted Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre.

Strathclyde is leading on work to develop and validate Patient Reported Experience Measures for capsule endoscopy, as well as the design and prototyping of a digital patient engagement tool.

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Researchers will also develop nine AI algorithms which will be tested and validated in clinical settings in Denmark and by NHS Highland.

Professor Roma Maguire, University of Strathclyde, said: “Capsule endoscopy, particularly AI-assisted, has huge potential to improve the early diagnosis of bowel cancer, but for such an approach to be adopted it has to be acceptable to patients.

“We are developing digital tools that will help us to understand patient outcomes of capsule endoscopy and crucially patients’ experience of, and feelings about, this procedure.

“This is a really pioneering project involving partners from across Scotland who are contributing their expertise.”

Professor Angus Watson, NHS Highland, added: “The CCE service in Scotland started in the Highlands. NHS Highland was the first health board in Scotland to trial the procedure. As a result of this work the test is now available throughout Scotland.

“There are many advantages to CCE but the addition of AI will be a game changer. In the very near future patients will be able to have a CCE in their own home, AI will enable the images to be reported exceptionally rapidly, so the patient is able to get the result of the test almost immediately. This large European grant will allow AI to become a reality.”

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