Gastroenterologists have new tool to detect colorectal cancer

US Digestive Health, a network of gastrointestinal practices in southeastern, southwestern and central Pennsylvania, is now offering patients artificial intelligence-assisted colonoscopy screenings with the country’s largest installation of GI Genius intelligent endoscopy modules. 

GI Genius is a computer-assisted reading tool designed to aid endoscopists in detecting colonic mucosal lesions (such as polyps and adenomas) during standard endoscopy examinations of patients. 

It is the first and only Food and Drug Administration-cleared, commercially available device that employs AI to help physicians detect polyps, a release said. 

US Digestive Health’s installation of GI Genius is the first in the state. Its network encompasses more than 150 gastroenterology providers, 26 locations and 15 affiliated ambulatory surgery centers. Central Pennsylvania practices that are part of that include Regional Gastroenterology of Lancaster County and Carlisle Digestive Disease Associates of Cumberland County. 

Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of diagnosed cancer and the second deadliest, with almost 150,000 new cases every year. It’s also one of the most treatable, with a 90% survival rate when detected and treated early. 

“GI Genius is a major breakthrough in colorectal cancer screening,” Dr. Dale Whitebloom, US Digestive Health’s chief medical officer, said in the release. “In real time, it can help physicians identify hard-to-detect and potentially cancerous polyps. … Adding GI Genius gives us yet another tool to help protect our patients from the scourge of cancer.” 

Added Jerry Tillinger, CEO of US Digestive Health: “Our mission is to prevent colorectal cancer, and AI-assisted colonoscopy is an incredible advancement in protecting the people of Pennsylvania from this terrible disease. We’re proud to collaborate with Medtronic, as well as our endoscopy partners, AMSURG and PE GI Solutions, to roll out the largest installation of GI Genius not only in the United States but also in the world.” 

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer