AI To Enable Early-Stage Detection Of Gallbladder Cancer

The timely detection of gallbladder cancer a condition rapidly on the rise among women in North India may now become easier. A multidisciplinary team at PGI has developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based model designed to facilitate the accurate identification of gallbladder cancer through ultrasound images.

According to the team, a key feature of this AI model is its potential to simplify early cancer screening in small towns and rural areas regions that often face a shortage of specialist doctors.

Led by Dr. Pankaj Gupta of PGI’s Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, this research study has been published in *The Lancet Regional Health South East Asia*.

According to experts, gallbladder cancer constitutes a serious health concern in North India, with a higher incidence observed among women. Gallstones (stones in the gallbladder) are considered a major causative factor for this cancer. The challenge lies in the fact that, in most cases, the cancer is detected at a very late stage a point at which treatment options have become limited.

How ​​The AI ​​Model Works

This AI model simultaneously analyzes multiple ultrasound images of a patient to generate a report classifying the condition as either cancerous or non-cancerous. Furthermore, it indicates the level of reliability associated with its assessment. Most notably, the model highlights the specific areas within the ultrasound images that served as the basis for its decision. This feature will make it easier for doctors to interpret and validate the report.

Greater Benefits For Rural Patients

Ultrasound is an affordable and readily available diagnostic tool; however, identifying early-stage cancer requires specialized expertise a resource often scarce in small towns and villages. In this context, this AI tool could prove to be a significant asset for doctors practicing in these areas.

Free Software For Doctors

Kartik Bose, a computer scientist on the team, [worked with] Dr. Under the guidance of Pankaj Gupta, a user-friendly computer application has also been developed, which doctors and researchers across the country will be able to use free of cost. The PGI team is now preparing to validate this model on a large scale through clinical trials. The experts’ objective is to extend AI-based gallbladder cancer screening to hospitals nationwide in the future.